Been quite busy again.  Some challenges with the internet and time. While almost every place has the internet here, my PC does not work with it all the time and sometimes it is slow.  It is not automatic or like traveling generally in the U.S.  Some things can be more of a challenge.  Also, had not quite figured out the last part of my trip and so left some hotel bookings open, which grants flexibility but presents other issues (time to book and additional costs generally).  Surprised how many places are fully booked, even in mid-week.  NZ is popular with lots of tourists here and lots of Kiwis traveling around.

 Traveled up the east coast of the South Island from Kaikoura to Blenheim where I rented a bike and did some wine tasting in the Marlborough region.   Nice drive up the coast.  Will post a couple of pictures when I have time.  After wine tasting took the night ferry to North Island and then spent a day in Wellington.  Interesting city.  On my way north to Auckland and the area to the north now.