Our last few days in New Zealand have included a search for a labyrinth beneath the low cloud hanging in the mountains north east of Akaroa, and a second encounter with Little Blue Penguins.

We found the Southern Lights Centre labyrinth and walked as the rain grew in strength. A simple path of white pebbles with random, beautiful, inlaid coloured stones.

Today we discovered the penguins’ ‘rest home’ near Christchurch Airport. These lovely creatures are beyond rehabilitation but receive compassionate care at the International Antarctic Centre. We had encountered Little Blues at night in the wild so this chance to see them close up in daylight was a bonus and enabled us to learn more about their lives and behaviour.

New Zealand keeps giving.