English is considered to be the most modern and useful language. It is primarily because of its fluid nature and willingness to be stretched, twisted and reinvented. We are use to the British versions of the language, but some things about the New Zealand branding still intrigue us. Even the Australians think they have an odd twang.

For a start at hearing the language click here for a typical and always interesting weather report.

The Maori people and their language has a strong influence - indeed it is common on radio and TV. Click here to hear it.

The city of Whangarei on the North Island had us stumped - It never sounded the same no matter who pronounced it for us. Finally after many attempts at phonetic spellings and pronouncements I came up with this (click to hear it) !

Kiwis love their E's !! We love the A's and pronounce them robustly, but the way the New Zealanders use the E is remarkable: Yes is "yeeeeees", Cheddar is "Cheeeeedr" , ten sounds like "teen" etc.etc.

The other sound that intrigues is their "O". I have come up with the explanation that there can be no pronouncing of an "O" with it following with an "I"in most words except nouns. "You" is "yoii", "Only" is "oinly" and on it goes. It's odd that when I discuss this with them they can't hear how their sound is different from ours. The Australians have the same scheme.

There are several sayings that are unique, but "Goodonya" was new to me. I thought the literal beginning must have been "good on you", but again they don't see it. It means "good work" or "well done" and is just as effective and commonly used in a factious way.

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We have met scores of interesting and friendly people - both natives and visitors, and all have made our trip much more enjoyable.

The D.O.C. Ranger Steve Jones at the Shakespeare park.

The Maori teacher who shared his green lipped mussels and came excitedly to show us the comet as it streamed overhead.

The Australian lawman who had to administer civil law in the jungles of New Guinea.

Amy and Garth - two young Brits on a multi year trip around the world who camped with us on several occasions.

The German graduate botany student who hiked with me to explore the plants along the way to the glacier.

The gal from Levin at the Volcano park who was starting a rafting company and had worked in Wyoming and Japan.

The father and his son in law who instructed us in the fine art of netting Elephant fish at the beach at Hokitika.

Of course Tom Diamond, Charlie Dixon and Mark Skelton who provided lots of information and stories about their work here.

The Dutch people from Dunedin who took us to the glowworm cave .

Peter and Pam and Robin and Jude who shared lots of interesting conversation and Robin shared some of his delicious fresh salmon.

The Canadians who had picked up the cyclist to help her over the mountain . He had made and flown his own airplane.

The amateur scientist from near Oxford in the UK who had worked out a formula on his own to show how the combined mass of the earth and moon could be shown to illustrate their place in our solar system.

The Anglican church leader from the UK.

And the helpful and friendly people at Affordable Motor Homes.