The "new" Bluebridge Ferry celebrates its first birthday on the day of our trip from Wellington to Picton. Friendly staff offers free birthday cake, tea and coffee for the waiting passengers. The trip itself is even more funny for us, since it turns out that the ship formerly was a ferry between France and Corsica, an island we really like. We notice several maps of Corsica and Sardiny. For some historical reasons, one or the other Kiwi has very "fond feelings" towards the French. (No I'm not talking about you Grant). Therefore we add the remark that the people of Corsica always tries to separate from the motherland and they blow up french administrative buildings evey now and then. 

Queen Charlotte Sound. Our Bremach enjoys the view, over the Aussie Bay. A truly amazing place. Somehow we wondered why they gave it that name.

It is the duty of the chronicler though, to tell the whole truth.

On the road to the Abel Tasman we met this stranded alien, similar to us. Unfortunately we were unable to help him with spare parts. How stupid, he didn't have an IVECO engine!

Sub alpine idyll, in the Nelson Lake Ntl. Park, but watch out...

... the ducks are already sleeping at Lake Rotoroa, but ten trillion sandflies are awake and looking for BLOOD!

Kiwi paddlers at Lake Punakaiki. Although there's snow on the mountains we take a nice bath.

Just to avoid confusions, THIS IS NOT RAIN! The west coasties call it "liquid sunshine"!

Pure adrenaline even for spectators, at Lake Wanaka.

The road to the Hakataramea Pass.

To find the true south island, you have to drive on the "back line roads". One day of driving, two passing vehicles, 100.000 sheep.

Heading south. The yellow eyed penguin is a very shy creature. The Kiwis do their best to reconcile tourism and conservation, well knowing that their environment is an incredily valuable treasure.