made it!!!

Well, I arrived in New Zealand a couple of days ago, via transit lounges in Dubai, Bangkok and Sydney.  The weather is glorious - 22 degrees here in Christchurch.  Am still suffering a bit from jet lag but am about to board a flight up to Auckland where I begin my tramping in earnest tomorrow with the Womens Outdoor Pursuits Club in the Waitekere Ranges about 2 hours out of Auckland.

Found a great B and B in Christchurch - this was the view from the bed...