In pictures... New Zealand (& Fiji)

We arrived in Auckland just in time to see the sun rise...

... but it wasn't long before we realised how much there was to see and do in New Zealand,
from the lurid volcanic pools of Rotarua....

... to donning wetsuits with strangers on a caving quest for glow-worms.

We walked to the top of mountains...

... well, almost to the top...

... and the views were always inspiring.

The autumnal scenery became even more beautiful on South Island...

... and in the warm sunshine we relished the chance to do some real work,
helping 'close up' a cousin's vineyard for the winter.

Our adventure continued by campervan...

... where the cooking proved to be of varying quality.

In the land of lakes and mountains, every turn gave
us a new and wonderful view...

... although John's patience wore understandably thin at the number of photo-stops.

Like many other unsuspecting campers, our van came under attack from the local Kea birds...

... who were keen to take a gentle bite out of whatever they could.

The tense stand-off was resolved mainly through patience, diplomacy...
and a timely step on the accelerator pedal.

The wildlife was even friendlier at Kaikoura...

... but it was time for the sun to set on our stay in New Zealand.

Fiji was our next destination, were the waters are warm...

... the welcome is even warmer...

... and in the evening, things can really hot up.

Eyebrows were raised, if not singed, by my own attempt at fire-eating... 

... and when we weren't out snorkelling or learning to scubadive... 

... there was always a chance to get some exercise on the volleyball court.
Just don't ask about the scoreline...

Henry