The journey across to the beginning of The Heaphy Trail was longer than we expected and although we were still recovering from the night before (Debs from Rum and James from food poisoning from the Chinese Buffett) the road was stunning! Especially along The Buller River to Westport. We made to the Koihaihai campsite by 10pm and zonked asleep! We felt wide awake and ready the next morning. Packing the bags with supplies (sleeping bags, water, food, waterproofs et...

Nelson is a really nice city we had a wander round an got our bearings. Nelson is surrounded by beautiful countryside one side where you can look up and see the mountains and then the other side is the sea. James's friend from school Dave is currently living there so he came to meet us after his work. Him and his housemates were super lovely and let us park in their drive/garden whilst we stayed. The house is huge and about 9 people live in the big house right in...

After the stunning trip on the boat to the south island we arrived at Picton. It was so hot and sunny! We stopped in town to buy a few supplies and after plastering ourselves with suncream we shut the side door ready to go . . . realising only a few seconds later the keys were locked in the van!! We weren't that surprised as we knew it would happen sooner or later but we didn't really know what to do or where to go. James (practical James that he is!) had a scout...

We decided to treat ourselves in Wellington and live the high life by staying in a YHA! The unlimited warm showers (I was able to wash my hair) and comfy mattress was definitely a treat! We wandered round the city on the Friday afternoon. We popped in to see my friend Lauren who had moved to Wellington from the UK and set up a gallery an craft shop - 'Matchbox Wellington' with her partner Cherry. It is amazing what they have done! They have definitely inspired me...

We decided to explore the coast to the far east of Wellington before going to the city. We weren't really sure what was down there as nobody had written anything on our map!! It was awesome!!! We are so glad we went. The road was beautiful up to Cape Palliser light house. And the sea was amazing! So clear and the waves were amazing!!! Far too reefy and rocky and massive to go in unless you really knew what you were doing in there but it was fun watching some guys...