Well Ross and Family, allow me to say thanks also for sharing with us, and real special thanks to Mrs Ross and your two daughters for being so patient while the two "Men" checked out the museums. I grew up in Invercargill so know E Hayes & Sons Hardware very well but sadly they didn't have anything on display back then. You have also done something that I have attempted a few times but never succeeded due to snow falls etc closing the Homer Tunnel and that is driving up into Doubtful Sound. I also am amazed at the Airforce Museum in Christchurch as it has grown so big from the last time I was there. I know July can be cold and shitty weather but it certainly looks like you had absolutely marvelous weather for that time of year. The Catlins area is so awesome and wild isn't it. I smiled to myself as it appeared that you did exactly what I have always done over the years..... avoid Queenstown at all costs. Roger Spears, it will pay to take a mortgage out on California and maybe another State of your chosing to be able to spend anytime in the Tourist Ripoff Capital of New Zealand. I better climb down of my chair now. You will need the same amount of time to do the top half of the South Island to do it justice I believe.
Anyway,thanks again for taking the trouble of posting all those photo's.