So I've finally managed to get round to updating the blog, now in christchurch and have moved house again. We are both enjoying work, Tom is back climbing trees although having a few issues with the locals (spending spare time sueing ex -landlords). Anyway onto more pleasant topics- Toms parents arriving tomorrow and we have seen our first wild kea.

I have bought a fly fishing rod as yet no fish to claim but it is early days. We have been down south and visited the Moeraki boulders and various penguin colonies.

We have both attempted some easy caving- anyone out there I recommend cave stream in Arthurs pass- a little cold but very cool, you wade down a stream in a cave for 35mins just as the name suggests.

Anyway will try a write more soon, currently trying to get fir with lots of easy access to hills to run in and climbing on the door step.

A few random things- big trees to be precise big totara trees, raglan which was very pretty, a mix of lots of active people undertaking any watersport under the sun and a hippy vibe. Plus a nice sunset from our house and mitten the kitten we looked afterthe weekend- not to do again- i was ready to get her a pet passport so we could take her home. Alas she now has a nice home in the country and the new owners did buy her lots of toys. Last one of hamilton gardens with Nicki (english vet here) and Tom.

May be a while before I update this next as we are moving to the south Island just outside Christchurch and close to the slopes- yey!

The resurrection of the flat pack gingerbread house all the way from Ipswich. Thanks Dave and Laura- brilliant idea. Now eaten I might add.

Here are some photos from our trip over New Year to Whakatane where we met up with John and Helen. Most of the time was spent at the beach where there was a sandcastle competition (some pretty impressive entries). We also went sea fishing which was a little unsuccesful as me and tom only managed to catch things which were too small to keep- however apparently the conditions weren't very good so I'm sticking to that excuse. There is a picture of the lady of the sea looking rather undignified due to the seagull perched on her head.

Christmas time in New Plymouth. We were really lucky with the weather climbing Mount Taranaki on xmas day. Have included some photos of the christmas lights festival which were very cool. Also the famous Wind wand of New plymouth designed my artist Len Lye. Also some photos of beachs, various sealife and the waterfront in New Plymouth.