The lost blog. I forgot to post this at the time and enough people have asked “what happened next?” to make this a worthwhile update.

Spent 2 weeks touring around NZ with a friend from the trip. Great as the trip was, I was ready to get away from the group. After a few super days in Sydney we set off and headed south.

Here are some pics from Sydney…

Had my tent cleaned by NZ customs, which annoyed me cos that very morning I’d washed it in the shower and dried it under the Sydney harbour bridge!

The small luxury of doing exactly what you want, when you want was amazing. We put 2600km on the clock of our tiny and tinny Daihatsu Sirion. Not a bad little motor, but not really big enough for two people, 2 backpacks, tents and other gear. Did it struggle up the hills? Yes. Did my mastery of the steering wheel keep things thrilling on the way back down? You betcha!

Highlights of NZ? Having dinner with Norrie and Edna who left the trip in Laos. The Sights, The Sounds, The Scenery. The beer (Speights).

I was very sad to wave adios to my friend at the end of it. A terrible navigator but great car DJ. A brilliant 2 week blast through the south island.

If you’ve been to NZ I don’t need to sell it to you. If you haven’t then start saving, it’s a must do destination.