New Zealand, definitely 'The Land of the Long White Cloud'

Sorry it has been so long, but we have been too busy to blog!!!!
Sydney was good - apart from a 'rocket ride' around the harbour, which 'did' Sydney in what seemed like 2 minutes! We went back the next day and booked a slower ride more appropriate to our advancing years!!!
Thought about climbing the Harbour Bridge - for about 30 seconds - after seeing several maniacs attempting it. Had meal in Doyle's on the harbour which has possibly the best view from a restaurant in the world (with the possible exception of the Oxo Tower!!!!!)
We sorted out the Fiji situation and are returning to Sydney on 16 th Jan before flying to Hololulu the following day - staying at the Rocks as that is where the action is!!!
Flight to Auckland was fine and it was great to see Kate for Christmas. We had a good few days together, including the wettest harbour trip ever!!! She agreed with us that the scenery in New Zealand was absolutely spectacular, especially when the sun shines. The myth perpetuated by Aussies and Kiwis the the weather is always perfect in Summer is an antipodean myth!!!! The general rule is 'if you don't like the weather, wait for 15 minutes and it will change', actually is very accurate.
We are now in the South Island having flown from Auckland to Christchurch. Christchurch was fine. although we didn't have too much time to explore it. We then drove from Christchurch to Fox Glacier yesterday in torrential, pouring rain! The helicopter flight was booked for today, we arrived at the hotel to find they did not have a booking for us and every restaurant in the town was full for dinner!!! What a good job that, although old, we are adaptable!!! All of the problems were sorted out and we awoke today to a beautiful, sunny, crisp day and went on our planned helicopter trip to Fox Glacier. It was fantastic!!!!!!! Short helicopter trip over Franz Josef Glacier and then a landing on Fox. Deep, virgin snow and unbelievable views - photos to follow!! A great, unforgettable experience which we will undoubtably be boring you all with for years to come!
We then went for a long walk to the head of the glacier for some more fantastic views and photographs.
We leave tomorrow for New Year's Eve in Queenstown and hopefully some more adventures - we are both surprised at how well we are standing up to the strain of travelling - be warned, we have got the bug and will be returning!!!!!
Love to all and Happy New Year.