Just arrived from chilly Melbourne, to warm Perth. It's my last night in a hotel for this trip, staying with friends here till the weekend- then I he…

It's a quirky Swedish-styled hotel, whatever one of those is - I don't remember seeing any hotels like this, when I was in Sweden. It's about a five …

No, not the very funny British Comedy, but a games console exhibition at ACMI in Melbourne. Great to play some old classic arcade games like Asteroid…

Back in Wellington, staying at Nomads again - as I liked it so much. Did some of the museums - see reviews.

Beside the Natural History Museum in London, this is the best museum I have ever been to. I think you could easily spend two days in here and not cov…

Woo, got to finally see whales on this trip. Three sperm whales, got some good shots of their tales, as they dived. Not much other wildlife unfortu…

Back to Christchurch today, so that I can a bit further north to Kaikoura - hopefully to go whale watching. The last time I tried to go whale watch…

Not the best hostel I've ever stayed at. Given an indifferent welcome on arrival, office staff seemed too concerned with tapping away at keyboard.…

Before catching the bus to Oamaru, I took a walk up to the Red Tarns, half way up Mount Sebastapol. The walk starts off from the Public Shelter bui…

Very friendly welcome, as soon as I walked through the door into the bar. Sometimes entering a bar feels like an old cowboy movie, where the music st…

Sadly leaving Mount Cook area today, for Oamaru. Not too sure where to go next, got ten days left in N.Z before I need to be back in Auckland, fo…

Alan's 4WD Tours can be booked from your accommodation in Mt Cook - I booked mine at the YHA, where you can get an extra YHA member discount. The…

The power of glaciers is awesome (as in the real use of awesome, not "that's an awesome hotdog"). Went up to see the glacier in the Tasman Valley, w…

Took a walk out to Kea Point,  to get a better view of Mount Cook. It really is great to be out in this area, great views, mountain air - begin …

The only real alternative, if you can't afford the Hermitage Hotel. Excellent facilities and very comfortable double bed for me. The usual stuff like…

Stunning drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook. The YHA centre has a nice view of the mountains, though you have to venture a bit further to get a vi…

Yesterday was spent wandering around, getting my bearings and looking for somewhere to buy an Eee PC. The evening was spent sampling the delights o…

An absolute bargain! Booked via Expedia for a single at 25 pounds a night (60 NZ$...). On arrival got upgraded to a double. The room is small, but…

The TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch was brilliant. Lots of amazing scenery and fun people on the train. It cost $74 (Winter fare).I'm now …

Staying at the Cosmopolitan Hotel (it isn't), as Bazil's YHA was full :(Think I'll head to Greymouth tomorrow and catch the TranzAlpine to Christch…

Apparently this is one of the best areas in New Zealand to live - due to the amount of sunshine it gets. It's certainly been very sunny, if a little …

Will dig out journal entry.

A short hop, skip and jump from the ferry terminal - don't be lazy getting the free-transfer or a cab. Greeted by very friendly staff and got a doubl…

I stayed here twice on my trip to New Zealand, I liked it that much. It's in a great location: there are bars, restaurants and cafes within five-t…

Arrived in Wellington, in anticipation of going to the South Island on Monday.  Staying at the Nomads Central hostel - it's almost hotel-like…

Only really a stopover, to break the trip to Wellington down a bit. I stayed at the Pepper Tree Hostel (YHA) in Palmerston North. All the singles…

Draft entry at the mo, thought I doubt much more will be written about this place.  It's quite strange here- the town was destroyed by an&n…

Got one of my  must-do-list items done, for New Zealand - a bungy jump.  Taupo Bungy is where it's at - http://www.taupobungy.co.nz/ …

Basically here to do a parachute jump and a bungy jump. Parachuting doesn't look too good at the moment, as there is lots of cloud around and the w…

Not so cheap, I asked for a quote for a double for two nights and the owner replied $110 – I thought that was great for two nights, however this wa…

Very cheap and I managed to bag the last twin – actually a small mobile/caravan. The owners are very friendly and eco-conscious – there are recyc…

Probably the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had, even if the recipe deviates slightly from what you'd expect. A fun place to eat, especially appeal…

... and nobody would know. It smells  of sulphur a lot here, bit like being back in Iceland.  Might see if I can get into one of the pools…

Just arrived, going to check out Auckland for a couple of days. Then maybe explore the North Island for a week.Staying at the City Lodge on Vicent…

Cheap, short walk into the centre of the city. Basic single rooms are ok, with en-suite, though they are a little cramped. Could also do with new pil…

Nadi

A friendly welcome and managed to get one of the few remaining rooms. They have a restaurant, bar and a couple of swimming pools. There's also a …

The bus from Nadi to Suva was a four hour trip, that wasn't too bad. Got  a window seat, so was able to get a nice breeze. The coach was $12. …

The most clean, comfortable and enjoyable stay I've ever had. The hosts John and Marilyn are superb, and go out of their way to help you out. The bre…

You can arrange to be picked up at the airport (for free) by the hotel staff. They can also take you back to the airport, on your departure. My ro…

Nadi

Helping my friends out, by doing some yard-maintenance and fitting a water-barrel. Not looking forward to my flight tomorrow to L.A, or the next …

Well, once again I find myself at Heathrow airport. Must have been in this place about five times in the last twelve months.The flight was late tak…