Travelling round the South Island in our luxury Van

Campsites Stayed on in NZ :  8

Person being bitten by mossies the worst : Chris

 For the last few days we have (or rather Chris has) done alot of driving around the south island. After leaving Wanaka we spent a night in Timaru (on the coast south of Christchurch). We then drove into Christchurch to pick up the new camper. We then drove onto Hanmer Springs which is in the centre. It was a small town with natural springs and the obligatory bungee jump set up. The next day we drove on to Westport at the top of the west coast, we decided to stay in Westport for a few days to recharge the batteries (ours not the vans).

Travelling around we have been astounded by the natural beauty of NZ. Everywhere we travel there are beautiful lakes, mountains and rivers and quite literally breath taking scenes. Really hard to describe in words just how amazing it is, you have to see it.

It defiantly was the right decision to swap the van. We now have a massive 4 birth lorry. It has loads of space to move around, cook and has 2 double beds. Ruth opted to sleep above the drivers end which is very cosy apart from a rather precarious ladder to get in and out. The other van did grow on us but it was just so cramped and just basically had a bed that folded up. We are certainly more happy now we have our luxury Winnebago!.

Our new Van - what luxury!!

Planning the route whilst relaxing in the van (not a posed for shot at all)

View from the other end of the van

Westport is an unremarkable place but we have a sight right on the sea front. The beach is massive and wide with dark sand. The weather so far has been fantastic but on our 2^nd day here it has been very overcast and wet. Hope it clears up soon. At least we have the large van to sit in and feel  sorry for the people in tents.

On the beach in front of the campsite

We took a trip out to one of Westport’s major attractions the Seal Colony - which is exactly as described. We had a good walk along the purpose built path there before the rain set in further. So tomorrow off to the far north of the South Island to the fabled Golden Bay.

The famous seal colony

Walking around near Westport at the attractively named 'Cape Foulwind'

Sad news for us from home today also, our beautiful black cat Lucy died yesterday which we are very sad about.  She was a very old cat, we had her for 11 years, we think she was about 16 altogether. We would like to thank Suz and Brian for looking after her and loving her (and her sister Tigger) for the last 4 months.