Day 77 - Sun 24th May: Lunch, Te Anau

As well as having spectacular scenery, great wildlife and Maori culture, New Zealand also makes great pies (Kiwis seem to be obsessed with pie). They make all kinds of flavours and this one was a venison pie - very tasty. Also for lunch, a good old Gala (from NZ, of course) and some L&P - a lemonade made in Paeroa. Where "the paradoxical advertising slogan "World famous in New Zealand" has become a popular New Zealand saying meaning very well known locally, but not receiving recognition overseas" (Wikipedia)

Day 76 - Sat 23rd May: Oyster Festival, Bluff

The Bluff Oyster Festival is an annual event for the town and quite a big deal for them. You can sample all kinds of local fish and they also run competitions to find out the quickest oyster sheller and eater. But....

[Quite a few people are getting their picture taken with this man. We're left wondering why - perhaps he's a local celebrity?]

Me: Excuse me, we're from out of town and we've noticed that quite a few people would like their picture taken with you. Are you someone famous?

Man: Hello! Yes, I'm John Key! [Said with an expectation of I'll know him now]

Me: Ok. [Giving a look of 'oh-that's-nice-but-still-slightly-confused-as-you-who-you-are-but-I-think-I-recognise-you-from-somewhere'].

Man: ....the Prime Minister!

Me: Ohhhhh!!! [Giving a look of 'of-course-you-are-I-thought-I-recognised-you-how-silly-of-me']

He's a pretty friendly guy and we had a quick chat, where he welcomed me to New Zealand and we chatted about the places I've liked in NZ so far.

* John Key endorses Bluff Oyster Festival

Day 8 - Mon 16th March: Niagara Falls

Patrick, the hostel owner, recommended Hanif, the laundromat owner.
Hanif recommended the coffee shop across the road.
This is Tom. He runs the coffee shop. He makes awesome Won Ton soup.