Thanks for the blogs, I read them whenever I get a chance. The point to take it easy sounds familiar and a really good idea 🙂

I spent 3 months in New Zealand some years back and I would advice you book a flight from Auckland to Wellington and then (after a couple of days, the city is wonderful) take the boat to the south island. Be sure to take one with daylight, the trip is fantastic. After crossing, rent the car or somesuch to go to your end destination. If you do that you will cover a lot less km per day and thus have more time.
Take some more time on the south island, try to spent time in places like Nelson and the abel tasman national park. I loved the trip driving the 73, it goes over the alps and ends in something thats close to a tropical rain forrest (with amazingly annoying flies…). In short. The South Island is amazing.
I want to make a special mention for the youth hostel in Akaroa which is at a sheep farm and does swimming with dolphin trips (well, they did in 2006). The most important reason to go there is the amazing area and views.

Let me know if I can help you with more pointers.

interesting observations about the voyage thus far, thx for sharing. with so many variables (destinations, transportation, food, weather, people to see, places to go) and influences (all of the above + travelers) it seems likely you’ll continue to adjust to maintain proper balance en route.

as for the blog, your readers enjoy hearing and seeing everyone… and in the future it’ll be there for your family / future generations to enjoy, too.

keep on truckin’

🙂
hal

KLEM FRA FRIDA L.