Mmmmmmmm...

....New Zealand coffee

On the road again, heading West

Wow- what can we say... we drove out west from Christchurch over the southern alps that run down the centre of the south island like a spine. The views just got more and more stunning as we went along. We stayed in Arrowtown, just down the road from the famous Queenstown- the home of bungee jumping and mecca for adrenalin junkies (and completely surrounded by beautiful mountains & lakes). There's a view here of Queenstown from a gondola. The hills are aptly named 'the Remarkables'. Tim was in his element snapping away some fantastic shots. see his Flickr page:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10199214@N02/sets/72157612979741951/

Arrowtown was a goldrush town now given over to tourism and LOTR site of 'Arwen crossing the river Anduin' scene for all you fellow geeks out there. A really pretty little place with the best icecream EVER.

Tranz Alpine... for those who liked the trams....

You'd have loved the train! some great pics here taken by tim who became our official photographer for his stay. The train wound high up into the southern alps through some amazing wild scenery until it got to Arthur's pass where we walked up to this beautiful waterfall. Seen here is the cheeky mountain parrot the Kea who'll chew the fixtures off your car or open the zip on your bag in the blink of an eye. They pretend to be flightless but are actually quite nifty in the air if they know they're in trouble. Which is often.

One of the great railway journeys of the world, we're told and we could see why. Shame it was an hour and a half late going home. Still, we had the chance to play the worlds longest round of eye spy. I think 'b for beverage' was the low point. Or perhaps Lee's 's for steel'. Still debating that one. anyway, a fantastic day and little did we know the scenery was about to get a whole lot more dramatic...

The lettuce patch

We took this flat bit of grass in Patrick's back garden, removed the turf, turned it over, bordered it with some sunken bits of wood, and planted lettuces and spinach, which we are now eating! Which proves that wwoofing teaches valuable skills and when we get back we're straight on the allotment list...

A special treat for lovers of trams

You know who you are! The tram service runs around the main town centre tourist spots in Christchurch, and in the evenings you can enjoy a meal in the special dining carriage.

Goodbye for now Christchurch

We have been in Christchurch for over two months now. It's on the Canterbury Plains, which is kind of flat and strangely reminiscent of the midlands! We have been following the icy cold winter weather in England with interest - definitely picked the best year to avoid winter... The other day here in Christchurch it hit 40 degrees! Anyway Emma's brother Tim has joined us for a week or so, so we're on the road again tomorrow and heading further south (and ever closer to Antarctica!) where we'll be seeing Queenstown, the famous Milford Sounds, and other exciting and hopefully warm things. The pictures show the Avon River, a rose bower in Hagley Park Botanic Gardens, and the "Christchurch Cone", which sits in the leafy main town square next to the cathedral.

Happy New Year from us

Hello to all who've followed our blog this year- thanks for all your messages. Wishing you all an exciting and very happy 2009
love
Lee & em
xx