Homeward bound....

Well, not quite, but it is about 3 hours closer :)

Things have changed quite a lot! Since the folks left and we did our 3 separate tours of the South Island we realised that we had actually finished doing everything that needed doing in NZ. We came, we saw, we enjoyed, we met some great people who have become dear friends and we have some amazing memories that we will take on with us for the rest of our lives.

However, this isnt the end... after much deliberating (as we were offered our old job back at Bamber for our remaining visa time), we finally booked tickets to Sydney. And, in typical stylee, we did it for as soon as possible.... which means we leave NZ on Sunday!

All of this meant we had a lot to sort out... and although we found it a hard thing to do, we had to sell RoadRunner. He was just too big for the suitcase :( He served us well (ish), and it was actually very difficult to turn around and walk away... he had been our home for our time here and whilst we were seeing NZ he was working like a trooper for us. But, we think whilst our NZ travels are over for now, RoadRunner will still be cruising the Islands for a good few years yet... and we're sure the new owner Israeli Benni will take good care.

So, this is the last time we'll be reporting from New Zealand and there's not much else to say apart from this is the most beautiful country we have seen to date and if you ever get the chance it's definitely worth a visit. So, Aroha Nui (goodbye).

Meet the parents (part ll)

....So, Mummy & Daddy Bullock finally arrived, and then they left again..! Or at least that's how it felt - time really does fly when you're having fun!

We spent a couple of weeks touring round the South Island in a luxury camper... which definitely put our little Road Runner to shame!
Again, we did and saw so much that it is really difficult to mention it all, but the highlights include:

The Antartic Centre, Whale watching in Kaikoura (we saw 2 sperm whales amongst dolphins, albatrosses, seals etc..), Hot springs in Hamner whilst looking up at the snow peaked mountains, Beer tasting in Richmond, BBQ on Rabbit Island, Buller Gorge swing bridge, Pancake Rocks, terminal walk to Fox Glacier (Fox's glacier mint eh Dad), breakfast on Lake Hawea, Jet boating in Wanaka, and for us, a surprise stay in the Sudima for two nights at the end, just as we were about to make the bed up in out little van.... life savers!!
More than this though, we spent lots of time chilling, eating, chatting and generally enjoying the scenery. We also got to celebrate my mums big 50 with her on the 17th March, with a bit of a shopping expedition, a lovely meal and a scorcher of a cocktail! We can't begin to thank you both for such an amazing holiday and being able to experience our current (and slightly gypo) way of life.... hiding in the van so we only paid for two people and not four ; ) with us.

It was so hard to say good bye and we did feel a little lost for a few days after you were gone....

Love you both loads and really appreciate everything. See you soon ; ) XXXX

The road to Hell....i-hike

After Matt's parents left we were a little down and needed a wee pick-me-up before mine arrived, so we decided to head back to Lake Hawea for some sunshine and a relax before doing a Heli-hike on Fox Glacier on the West coast of the South Island.

Lake Hawea was absolutely gorgeous, just as we remembered when we passed through with Matt's folks and we managed to get a perfect spot on a campsite right on the lake where we spent a whole day chilling out, making brews, reading and just being in awe of the amazing view.We spent the next night in Fox ready to do the Heli-hike the next morning. It was our first time in a helicopter so we were a little nervous but it was pretty amazing - especially when we saw the huge glacier in front of us. We were kitted out in boots, cramp-ons and a walking stick and spent the next 2.5 hours on the glacier, exploring ice caves etc...

We both agreed that it was definitely one of the best if not the best experience of our trip so far!!

Meet The Parents (Part I)

Yey... the day came! The folks arrived!!!! We waited for over an hour at the airport for them to come thru the arrivals gate.... we knew something had gone wrong.... and it had! Both of their bags had gotten lost in transit! But it was all irrelevant! There were hugs and tears and we were all really pleased just to see each other. Plus, the bags turned up in the end... after 6 days for poor Al though :(

Anyway, the fun began immediately... and even with no bags we managed to get through Christchurch and take in so many things such as the Gondola, food and drink :) Botanical Gardens, Tram and more food and drink... It was great to be on hol and relaxing with the folks!

We did so much over the 3 weeks that it is just impossible to talk about it all but the highlights included; a scenic flight over Milford Sound in a little Cessna followed by a cruise of the Sound, a visit to Akaroa with a boat trip to see the Hector Dolphins, Hamner Spring Thermal park, a Cruise of the Abel Tasman (where we got a beach to ourselves to enjoy a picnic), Vineyard and Brewery tour (mmmm), Clutha River Jet, Queenstown (Gondola and Luge- yes, you were very brave for doing it twice mum :))

We also had plenty of times just being together and going out for meals and coffee. We even had our own BBQ...

All of the times were really lovely and we were EXTREMELY sad to see them go. They are currently in Hong Kong waiting for their flight to Heathrow and we wanted to have this done for when they get back... hence, it is a little bit short. However, the rest of the pics will be up as soon as poss so you can remember just how much we managed to fit in... but just wanted to say thanks Ma and Al, it was brilliant to see you and we had an amazing time. Love you both and will speak to you soon :) M&T xxx

To see pics click here

the holiday begins... at last!

Well, it was goodbye to the White Elephant, Motueka and all things Abel Tasman... at least for a little while :) and we also got to celebrate our 6 month travelling anniversary with a brew and some fries in Hot Mama's cafe... mmm

So, the holiday began with us heading to Nelson to stay with our old muckers Gavin and Mags. We enjoyed the sun, the beaches and the ice cream... and when that all became too unbearable we nipped inside a cool cinema to watch Rocky Balboa... which for those of you who know me (M@) you will know how much I was looking forward to and dreading this release... anyhoo, it was amazing and we both came out teary eyed and agreeing it was a great finale to the series of films... and Sly is back... :)

The next big event for us was the Marlborough Wine Festival, which was a fantastic day and we really started to find out what we enjoy about wine... except for the drunken antics it leads too :) The weather held out and having parked ourselves with our first glass at about 10:00 am we didnt move until 6pm except to refill... which happened a lot! In fact, in some cases (MAGS!) far too many times.... it got messy :) But it was a top time!

And, it came to pass that we had to leave Nelson and head off into the big NZ on our own again... and so the journey began to meet my folks in Christchurch. We spent the first night in Kaikoura, which blew us away before finally getting to Christchurch and settling into a little spot near Hagley Park near the Botanical Gardens. And, we finally reached the most gypo point of our travels so far... we went to the swimming baths just so we could have a shower and avoid having to pay for a campsite- we are officially pikeys! And, we even managed to get a free phone charge up by standing in the supermarket pretending we were looking at flowers... when in fact there was a plug behind the stall that we were connected too :)

Anyhoo, the waiting for the arrival of the folks began (part I)...