Before we came here I read that Sand Flies were a pain, abundant in the South Island and nasty ankle biters or any exposed flesh, day or night. Of course, we’d never seen one before but have duly bought smelly insect repellant but never applied it until two days ago.

Stupidly we both had it in our heads that Sandflies were big things and maybe similar to Mosquitos.

Imagine our surprise when we were told what we were calling midges are in fact Sandflies. Nasty little biters they are too, and they swarm around you settle and feast. Alcohol in the blood fails to stop them as does garlic and thickly applied insect repellant.

In this picture I’ve two on my leg already, we swiftly retreated in after this since we were under full attack.

Apparently further south gets worse. Bring it on, we will lather up with sunscreen, insect repellant and squish them when they land.

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Oh what a day!! Amazing jetboat ride(who knew a jet boat could do 360 degree handbrake turns through torrid rapids? Did I mention we got wet??) and a super super zipwire. We did a tandem zip which means the heavy person gets to add some weight at the back and makes you go faster! Mr Fogg sat at the back (of course!) and we topped 40mph – oh do you feel that when you hit the other side and slam into the brake block. We have Video everyone, so not only do we have nearly 1000 still shots we now have action movies to entertain/bore/help you sleep/educate (delete as required)

Of course Mr Fogg had to go and do the supaman. Take one bald guy, stick on a bowling ball helmet, strap into a big sock thing and then make him run and jump off the zipwire to fly through the air like superman. Cue Mr Fogg bellowing “ah me knackers” as he flew along the wire past everyone on the suspension bridge next to him. Gotta love us Brits, we like to express ourselves.

On then down the West Coast highway 6 in search of lunch and on towards Punakaiki or Pancake Rocks. The journey is simply stunning, sharp bends, steep switchbacks and massive rock overhangs and incredible views of deep lush forests, ancient and huge ferns, palm trees, flax and all manner of birds.

We never did find somewhere for lunch (never let Mr Fogg get hungry, remember the Honey Monster?) but did go out to the seal colony at Cape Foulwind, a prominent headland just south of Westport. I had read that there were often in excess of 200 seals basking on the rocks there – today there were perhaps six.

On for the final leg then, still no lunch and we arrived at Punakaiki and our accommodation at 4.30pm. Checked in and I took the Honey Monster on a 2km tramp to the local Tavern for beer and nourishment.

Mr Fogg has just beaten me to the blogging with the incredible views of the coastline from where we are staying and the beautiful sunset.

Fingers crossed that we can see stars and the upside down moon tonight.

If you are wondering what the picture is, this is Mr Fogg at the local tavern astride a large plastic horse. I made him sit on it for a photo but did not expect it to be backwards! Typical.
Kia Ora!

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Spotted in Nelson, South Island New Zealand. Could this be Graham the herons distant cousin twice removed??

We’ll never know, sadly it’s a Sunday and a Bank Holiday Weekend here so we could not go in and ask.

Mr Fogg wants to sack the tour guide for not spotting the Bank Holiday weekend when all is shut. Ah well, you pays for what you get Mr Fogg. Now, about that tip 🙂

Currently sitting in a teeny old chapel that has been converted into a wonderful little bar waiting to meet someone we’ve not seen since 2007. We worked with him when we were still youngsters and he was merely a baby faced youth. The lucky bastard managed to emigrate here in 2002. We plan to bribe him into employing us so we don’t have to come back to the UK!!

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An early start this morning and up at 6am to ensure we got to the ferry port ready for boarding by 7.25am. This is apparently one of the worlds most picturesque ferry crossings, passing through the Cook Strait which has notorious rip tides and experiences regular gale force winds. Unfortunately as you can see from my picture, the weather today is not good for sightseeing as the clouds are low and the skies very gray. So far, the journey has been very smooth – no sick bags required!

The ferry, once it has crossed the Strait then weaves its way through small islands and rocky outcrops before docking in Picton.

Meanwhile, Mr Fogg is catching up on some zzzz’s and I’ve found the on board Tourist Info. More leaflets anyone??

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