A New Zealand good morning to you all. We've just finished breakfast on the glass-enclosed conservatory at Kapitea Ridge which looks out onto the ocean. We are in Hokitika on the West coast.

Yesterday's trip took us from Nelson, through the countryside, mainly small hills with lots of farms, rivers and timber. We walked through an old railroad tunnel, viewed the blow holes at Punakaiki on the West coast and ended our day at this beautiful b&b. Our room has a balcony that overlooks the gardens with the sea beyond.

The common rooms at Kapitea are decorated in dramatic reds and blues. We had wine(reisling that wasn't too sweet - very good)and salmon canapes with Trixie, one of the owners out in the glass conservatory before driving into town for dinner. Cafe de Paris did not disappoint us. I had the lamb rump over pumpkin and a pinot noir made by the French owner of the restaurant. The food continues to be excellent. Our guide,
Robert, is turning us into "foodies" with his great selections of dining venues.

Sorry for no pictures in the posts. Internet is too slow to take the time for that. I am slowly starting my blog so you can check out photos of our first day in Nelson on the link below my name.

Karen, weather report just for you. Lovely sun until we reached the coast yesterday, where it was hazy and a little mist at Kapitea Ridge. This morning is bright and beautiful!

We're off to Franz Joseph. More later.