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.

As we have already mentioned the beast (our car) we felt it necesary to include a photo and there is one of my work vechicle and our house, as you'll see they certainly feel different to drive. For all you mercia runners there are a couple of photos of tom doing the king of the mountain race (7th overall) unfortunately not wearing the vest (I brought mine but suffive to say it was a bit snug on tom making him look a little camp!). There are also a few photos from the kiwi house in otorhanga- unfortunately no kiwis as I couldn't photo them as they are nocturnal- although there is a pukeko which NZ has quite a lot of but they are pretty cool. You may not agree but dad might- I'm sure you will be a ble to identify them too.

Just a quick update, we went to a rodea the other day, first one in Te Kuiti for years. Started off with some young bulls but progressed to some serious looking bulls by the end. Most seem to go away unscathed although I'm sure pretty sore the next day. One guy got seriously injured as they wrap the rope around their hands when their riding meaning you can get caught up after you've fallen off. Basically being dragged around by a 1 tonne bull by your arm leading to dislocated shoulder I reckon in this instance. Also it is kitten season here so there are a few photos of Vickis (nurse) hand reared - 4-5 week old kittens- very cute.