So DipidyDoo has subbed in Simon for Ian for this trip (though Dipsdydoo doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as well, and sounds rather like I feel at the moment – yes, still got the vertigo) and here we are in New Zealand for their national orienteering champs in Oamaru, and some follow-on events in Queenstown.

Having arrived under cover of darkness last night, today we headed off for a leisurely look at Oamaru, otherwise known as the white stone city, because of all the lovely old limestone buildings.  Oamaru is also famous for penguins and steam punk (Victorian-era sci-fi). To that list should be added the pies from the bakery – better even than Holbrook, and worthy of a repeat visit if they are not cleaned out by hordes of ravenous orienteers.

Our home away from home is amazing – we have spectacular views all along the coastline, and everything is spotlessly clean and wonderfully comfy.  The shower is the best (yes better than Harrys in Munich). We are even excited by the rental car, which is a people mover; the rear van doors close with a gentle click via the remote control, no slamming required. So we’re off to a good start.  Of course living right at the top of the hill has its drawbacks; namely the walk up, which so far we haven’t tackled.

We spent several happy hours meandering around the historic precinct, which turned out to be an Aladdins Cave. Every time you turn a corner or poke your nose into a doorway, you come across something fascinating and unusual.  Even the kids’ playground with its steampunk theme was a joy, making me wish I was under 10.

From workshops full of partly restored wooden boats and penny farthings, to shops full of Victoriana costumes and jewellery, to an adventure bookshop featuring a replica of the tiny boat Shackleton and his small crew rowed to eventual safety, to the weirdest art gallery I’ve ever seen; it kept us entertained and bemused. And the best part was that it hasn’t been discovered by the Instagrammers (yet) so you can park easily, and wander around at will, without the crowds. Not one selfie stick to be seen.

We didn’t spot any (real) penguins, and we haven’t yet been to Steam Punk HQ, but we did get up close and personal with some sleepy seals – warning, cuteness factor dialled to the max.

The traditional DROC pre-sprint dinner of spag bol is getting under way. Pete and Simon are trying to figure out the vagaries of the dishwasher – where is Ian when you need him?