Eugene - Thanks for the day by day reports. It's been several years since I last visited New Zealand and I now remember why I loved it so much...well, besides the fact that my best friend, Ngaire, is from there! It is such a beautiful country and the people could not be friendlier. And I do remember how delicious their "teas" were with fabulous cakes, cookies, and muffins...yum! The Shotover River in Queenstown still remains my favorite excursion -- I have never laughed as hard as I did on that boat. Ron would love to see some of your gannet shots...you didn't mention the smell...perhaps the gannets bathed for your visit?
Sounds like you had a wonderful time and it appears you had good weather when it counted. Have a safe trip back!