Merry Chrismas

worldtour_4758.JPG, originally uploaded by mark benger.

In best blue peter fasion the pic above is one I prepared earlier.

Seasons greetings and Merry Christmas to you all, if anyone online today, from a slightly damp New Zealand - no snow (too warm) but rain.

Penguin watching (me)

worldtour_4909.JPG, originally uploaded by mark benger.

Since the parents like birdwatching, I thought that the Otago peninsula in Duneden would be worth a day trip, and to have a break from driving we took a tour. It was wet and windy all day, and the low cloud prevented any views of the harbor, but the birdlife made up for it, more pictures on flickr, including royal albatross in flight.

Back to Dunedidn

Picked up the parents in Christcurch on Thursday, so I get to retrace my steps, going around the South island in a clockwise direction for a change, so it was back to Lake Tekapo last night, now Duneden. I will probably upload my pictures tomorrow, so look out for shots of Albatross & Penguins.

Wendsday on Mount Sunday

worldtour_4767.JPG, originally uploaded by mark benger.

Just been off to Mount Sunday (more of a small hill) today - although Lord of the Rings fans may recognize is as something else, the location used for Edoras.
Sadly there is little sign left from the filming, but the location is still spectacular.

Whale photos

worldtour_4725.JPG, originally uploaded by mark benger.

Whale photos, plus some dolphins, are now online, the delay was caused by a lack of wi-fi access in Picton, but since I'm now back in Christchurch I can get back to uploading photos.

Kaikoura

worldtour_4646.JPG, originally uploaded by mark benger.

I'm now in Kaikoura, whale watching capital of NZ, that is when its not too rough for the boats to go out. Hopefully the weather will moderate so look out for some pictures of whales soon.