Quite a long drive up from Dunedin to Christchurch and not as picturesque as the West side of the island. Lots of vineyards and fruit farms. Not mountainous this side of the island. It had been about 4 weeks since I was last in Christchurch with Kiwi Experience. In that time they had suffered another 'minor' earthquake. The first time I was there they were getting back on their feet from the Quake in September and I didn't really see much evidence of it. T...

Stayed in Nomads Hostel in Queenstown, just up from the lake. Didn't do much in Queenstown but did take a ride up the gondola to see fantastic views over the town. Watched "The Ledge" bungy and swing which seemed a bit tame after what we had done earlier that day. We lucky to see a fantastic sunset. Went for a fun around the town and botanical gardens just before the weather broke and the rain came in. Got washing done (rock and roll).

4th Jan - A beautiful morning with clear blue skies. Katie got briefed for doing skydive and then had to wait for the next plane up because there wasn't enough room for her for some reason - so I casually asked if there was any places in the next plane free? Low and behold there was, so I just couldn't resist and next think I know I was getting suited up too. We flew to 15000ft before jumping out over Lake Wanaka. The flight up was lovely, such a good view of ...

3rd Jan 2011. Left Franz Joseph going south to Wanaka. The rain was still falling all morning but it made the journey quite spectacular. Amazing waterfalls so cascading onto the road. We stopped lots of times for photos. By the afternoon the rain stopped and the sun came out revealing the stunning mountainous scenery once again. New Zealand is very stunning. We got to Wanaka mid afternoon and kayaked on the lake for an hour. Then Katie decided this would...

This is the view from the Sky Tower over Auckland. Stayed in YHA International that happend to be at the top of an incredibly steep hill. It was Sunday when we arrived. Didn't want to be there as it meant our time was nearly over. Feeling a bit down, we came across the cinema complex which had a Gold Star viewing option. Decided to watch Love and Other Drugs, gold star style. Couldn't help thinking how Sam would have loved this. You can have a drink befor...