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Hi All,
Firstly apologies to all who are hanging by their finger nails for the latest update from us - we've been busy!! Also, poor amount of pics we updated last time is cos of the difficulty in uploading them so check out Alex's facebook page if you're interested!
So since we last updated we've travelled over 2,000 km in our camper van (called Tania apparently - we didn't name it!!). So a few brief highlights.
Having picked it up in Christchurch, we spent the day there having a look around - still evidence of September's earthquake with buildings cordoned off etc. but overall we weren't massively bowled over by it.
We then hit the road and because of the weather decided to head down the east coast to Mount Cook first. Yes, it has rained here too, and Paul's still nearly as pasty as when he left! Although Mount Cook is the highest mountain in NZ, we couldn't actually see it as we drove to the campsite below it as the rain was coming in sideways! Luckily the next day was glorious and the views amazing, we did a couple of walks and overall was well worth the drive in the rain.
Next was Queenstown, well Arrowtown just outside QT. Arrowtown was a really pretty place, very similar to it's heyday as a goldrush town, apart from all the Japanese tour buses! Then on to Queenstown, very cool place, and we hit the i-site straight away to book our activities - Jet boating and White Water Rafting (wasn't quite up to committing to Sky diving).
Went for a few drinks with some of Paul's uni friends - Neil Stewart, Presley and Neil McFayden. Had a good night, few drinks and Paul went for a ride on a bucking bronco which didn't end gracefully! White water rafting was great fun and did some grade 4 rapids which apparently are quite tough!
Following day we went to Milford Sound. Fortunately the weather was good and the 2 hour boat tour was great. The Sounds are amazing and (for all those Geographers amongst you) we learnt they're not actually sounds they should be called Fjords - something to do with sea water and river water!
Returned to Queenstown and had another night out - guess we're both starting to feel a bit old as most of the others out seemed to be about 10 years younger than us. Still a good night out though.
Then we headed to Wanaka, main purpose being the intention to throw ourselves out of a perfectly good aeroplane! Which we did, and oh my god what an experience. Paul was pretty nervous about it and the DVD we have of him is priceless. His face as he's just about to jump out of the plane is priceless!! Fortunately Alex managed to convince him it was a good idea and we both made it down safely - definitely recommend it to anyone.
After Wanaka we headed to Fox Glacier to do a 1 day hike on the ice. Pretty cool experience, although we were guided by a guy from Crewe who told us he'd only been doing it for 3 months. Funny / scary point when there was a big crash and we all looked to him and he looked as worried as the rest of us!
We then headed north up the west coast and then over Arthur's Pass, fortunately the weather held and the views were stunning. Must be really amazing when the snow comes in winter - will have to come back.
Which all brings us to where we are now - Hanmer Springs. Apparently the only natural pools on the South Island. We spent a day in the hot pools, which stunk but have made Alex look even more youthful!!
Anyways, unfortunately on a pay internet so must go but keep the messages (both facebook and this blog) coming and we'll update you when we can.
Alex and Paul xx
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