After five weeks and almost 3000 miles decided New Zealand is too much like Britain: much of the people, the places, the prices, often the scenery and especially the weather. Generalising of course, but so many times it’s reminded us of the UK. The distinction is its geography. The landscape is stunning, scenery outstanding and natural phenomena unique. The snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps, the fiordlands of Milford Sound, glaciers of Fox’s and Franz Josef, and the rainforests of the West Coast. The mountain lake views at Tekapo and Queenstown, the spherical boulders of Moeraki, and volcanic spectacles of geysers, fumeroles, craters and mud pools at Rotorua and Taupo. All so impressive! Less impressive were 70+mph winds that ripped through our tent, and cloud and rain which dampened our spirits and stifled the views. Not much warmth at times even though it’s summer. Had on our fleeces, long trousers, socks and shoes, and at times thermals and ponchos. Also, our timing was perhaps not the best. High season meant not much choice of accommodation, and the weather made it the worst February in 150+ years. Huh! But for Leala, New Zealand will be remembered for swimming with dolphins, and for Ben it’s the place he became four and where he was frightened by a stick-wielding, tongue-poking, eye-bulging Maori.