22/02/09: We had to get the bus at 8.30 so up nice and early and then we set off to Nelson Lakes national park- which was absolutely gorgeous- there was a huge clear lake surrounded by mountains- we went for a walk about the forest. Then chilled by the lake and had lunch. We set off through the mountains to Westport- beautiful scenery. A funny day- it was sunny one minute and raining the next. A lot of driving today. We arrived in Westport and checked into the qu...

19/02/09: Caught bus at 7 to the ferry port!! Nice, big boat. We had breakfast in cafe then chilled in the lounge and had a doze. We went up on deck as we were coming into Picton and saw the stunning scenery- crystal clear waters and lush green mountains everywhere! We boarded a new bus with mainly new people in Picton and on the way to Nelson we stopped at a winery in the middle of miles of vineyards. They were offering wine tasting but- sorry mum- i didnt parti...

17/02/09: Quite a long but beautiful drive to Wellington- the roads are nothing like in England- havent seen one traffic jam and mostly we are country roads in the mountains or going through small towns and villages (never seen so many sheep). We've just arrived and it looks more foriegn than Auckland and like a bigger more cultural city! Going up a hill soon to watch the sunset! Oh and we done a music quiz on the bus on the way here- it was 54 tv theme tunes and...

16/02/09:Caught the bus about 9.20am and set off for River Valley. Made several stops for breakfast and supplies and went through the mountains where we done the Tongariro Crossing the other day and stopped there for a look around a visitors centre with info about the mountains and volanoes and kiwis, etc. Then stopped near a waterfall where people could jump in but you'll b pleased to know it was too cold for me, plus i didnt have my towel or swimsuit so i just ...

14/02/09: Happy valentines day everyone!! We had an early start- up at 5 to catch bus at 5.40 to the Tongariro Crossing- it was still dark!! It was an hours drive there with the driver telling us the risks and route, etc, sounded very scary! Plus everyone had hiking boots and walking sticks and there was me in my k-swiss trainers!! HaHa! We arrived at drop-off point and began the hike at 7.30! Its a 19.4km walk up mountains and volcanoes and by crystal clear lake...