The winter is definitely here but there has been some sunshine amongst the rain and New Zealand in the winter is certainly a land of rainbows. They appear dancing along the side of the bus as we pass lush green fields filled with sheep or just grass; through small towns with a single main street; past houses that sit perched on an outcrop that nestles at the bottom of a lushly vegetated cliff and overlooks a sweeping vista of coastline. Yes the guidebook described the south island of New Zealand as a land of superlatives! Highest, tallest, deepest. It is also a land inspiring adjectives! Really stunningly beautiful. So far I have also found most of the people to be friendly and welcoming.

Small art galleries and organic coffee shop in Kaikoura; skin soaking walk in Picton and a lovely post walk chill out in the hot spa back at the hostel, while drinking a glass of red wine; wine tasting; Marahau accomodation in Old Macdonalds farm complete with llamas and a big dog; sea-kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park - right place at the right time - take it as it comes joys of travelling; 'shit head' (card game) with a bunch of English lads; starry skies that looked like a child had taken a paint brush loaded with white paper and splashed it all over a velvety piece of black fabric; Barrytown - crazy cross-dressing quiz night and a bus load of fun travellers up for a good laugh; more beautiful scenery; pancake rocks; seal colonies; rain; rainbows; waves and coasts and beaches and sweeping cliffs; cloud and blue skies; silence and lots of laughter.

So far I am having a great time here!