Claytons on the road - part 1

So today is the first day of our three week expedition to explore the South Island - and it is pouring with rain! Yesterday (Thursday) we left Auckland, returned our rental car, and flew down to Christchurch. The last day or so have been very humid in Auckland, and it was good to arrive to find slightly fresher conditions. Adam weed all over me on the plane, but fortunately all the poo had arrived earlier in the day.

We picked up our camper van, which is quite a large vehicle and so is interesting to drive. We made it to our first stopping point in Christchurch without incident, and we are gradually finding somewhere for all our stuff to go. The children slept (kind of) in the large space over the cab, which was very exciting and rather noisy. Hopefully they will be tireder tonight.

Today we are off to see the Antarctic centre in Christchurch, where there are penguins. Then we are off to find a campground away from the city, hopefully with some better weather.

Over and out.

Richard

Exploring Rangitoto Island

I sailed to Rangitoto Island on Fuller's ferry. It is an old volcano. It was really exciting when we went because there was loads of black lava which had turned in to black rock. The enormous crater was 60m deep and it was covered with trees, plants and bushes.

It was joined on to another island where Maoris lived. The eruption killed lots of them.




Aa lava

Hello class 1

Dear class 1

Thank you for all your messages.

I went to long beach. It was nice and hot. I had a really fun time at the sea.
I hope that Peter N is OK. It is different in NZ. I have settled in well. Hope there is something good in the treasure box Matty and Tessa. I am having lots of good adventures. NZ is very ancient. I am having lots of fun. School is good. Yes I have been swimming in Singapore. I am staying in a bungalow in Auckland. NZ is good. I have made 3 friends called Lydia Arun and Sam. I have seen a gecko. I hope you have good fun in the snow.

Lots of love from Peter Clayton.

What it is like in New Zealand.

We live in a bungalow and my room is next to the front door. It is so cool because it has a balcony. It is very, very hot so hot that I got sun burnt. Me and Felicity have made up a club called The Chicken Club. You can join if you want.

We went to the new museum and we saw a big war canoe.

Peter

PS on the plane my tooth came out.