We're now in New Zealand and have undergone something of a weather turnaround that is probably fitting given that we are now effectively on our way home. For starters, the temperature is now around 30C lower than it was last weekend which is a massive positive as it facilitates us actually going outside. We are experiencing rain, cold rain, the stuff that we are used to from home rather than the Aussie stuff that your can just outlast and expect to be dry 5 minutes later. There has also been mist, drizzle and cool winds, all of which we hoped to have left behind until March.
The strangest aspect of the weather shift over the last 7 days has been the fact that Caroline has responded well to the adversity. This may sound a little on the harsh side, however it should be considered that a drop into the mid-20's in Sydney prompted the purchase of a body-warmer. In light of the 'challenges' faced, a couple of half-hearted hat trials and positive comments about NZ wool products is a victory of sorts.
In terms of details, we arrived in Christchurch on Tuesday and have travelled across the Tranz-Alpine railway to the west coast, where we picked a car up for the next 4 weeks and headed south. We're currently in Haast, half-way down, having spent a couple of nights in Franz Joseph waiting for the clouds to lift in order to take a helicopter flight over the FJ/Fox glaciers. Sadly, the conditions didn't permit us to get airborne, however we were lucky to get the best half an hour of the day at the top of the Fox Glacier valley walk, and the view/photo's (which we hope to post soon) made up for any disappointment.
The drive down has already lived up to expectations and offers far more to keep the driver engaged than the endless straight lines of Australia's highways. Hairpin bends, stunning views and a pensionable car (it is being retired in the coming weeks) should also hopefully keep me on the right side of the NZ highway patrol
We move onto Wanaka/Queenstown tomorrow, home(s) of adrenalin sports and various opportunities to watch your breakfast pass by your face at 100mph! We are hoping for a boating lake and pedalo's...
We'll try to get some photo's online in the next couple of days, and if these first few days are indicative there will be many more to follow.
RJH
