Hi everyone!

I arrived in nelson yesterday, its lovely little town in the south island! I think it looks like what you would expect Alabama to look like with the cute little houses and how peaceful it is here. Decided to stay for a few days to chill before making tracks down the south island. As Im staying here a few days i opted to work for free accommodation here so Im cleaning rooms in the morning but am finished by 12 so have the rest of the day to do what i like. Chose a good hostel actually, its got lovely rooms and a hot tub, sauna and swimming pool so great to relax!!!

This last week has been absolutely mad traveling the north island! The first night was the quietest visiting mercury bay where we saw hot water beach, the water underneath the sand is boiling hot so was lovely to stand in and warm up!!

Next we moved on to Rotorua, went to a muari evening where there was a dance show and we ate their traditional food cooked in a hangi ( cooked by heated rocks in the floor) ? delicious!!! and the entertainment was fantastic, they performed the Haka for us as well which was excellent to see. I have learnt allot about their history and their traditions. Its very interesting and exciting to learn.

Following day I went Black water rafting at the Waitomo caves. This included abseiling, a zip wire, caving, rock climbing and all sort really, its was great fun! Next day in Taupo I went Sky Diving!!! YAY! Best feeling in the world ever, i couldnt stop smiling, felt amazing! Really is an indescribable experience, one i would do over 100 times again!

The next day was an early start at 5am to walk the tongariro crossing! Basically i climbed volcanoes, absolutely beautiful views and the volcanoes were gorgeous! Nothing i had ever seen before so was excellent to do. It was hard work though thats for sure. Climbed the devils staircase and its names that for a reason! It was worth every minute though!

After taupo we stayed in a lodge in the middle of nowhere called river valley, its was lovely! Situated right on the river where i went white water rafting!!! I told you its been a mad week of adrenalin and adventures! Ive loved it though and made some great friends along the way! Definitely a trip i would recommend to anyone!

Well thats my news for now. Im going to be in Nelson till Sunday then start traveling down the south island so I probably wont be able to update my site till I am in Queenstown.

Hope everyone is well! Lots of love

Anaick xxxxxxxxx