Upon entry into New Zealands air space loomed dramatic and stunning scenery that we will never forget. As our flight descended into Christchurch Mount Cook rose above the fluffy white clouds piercing like an uncut diamond. lush greenery and rivers cut through acres of fields, tendered hedge rows some what like a patchwork quilt. We commented on just how different two places can be when only a three hour flight away.

Christchurch itself exudes Britishness , prestigious blazered school children , punting on the River Avon and the Cathedral stands tall in the square. Oh and not forgetting our favourite- STARBUCKS!!!

City life was hectic, we booked our Spaceship new style camper for a bargain price and collected enough leaflets on the surrounding area to wipe out the new forest! However we are now left confident with our plans for the next month in Kiwi land.

Life is different here, relaxed, hardly anybackpackers in sight, quiet and not as expected coming from an auzzie fuelled way of life and of course the drop in temperature!!! Its freezing colder than Engalnd which would be ok but its proving interesting when we have a tropical wardrobe- flipflops, hoodies and cut off tights with shorts.......

The YHA was our home for three nights before we began our road trip journey of the South Island. Kodos our Toyota converted spaceship cruiser complete with fridge, DVD/CD, gas stove and table set us on our way to Hamner Springs. This is home of the hot thermal and sulphur pools ranging up to 40 degrees. We chilled in the warm spas whilst fresh breeze swept down from the mountains and through the valley. We set up camp just outside of Hamner down a gravel track nestled amongst the trees and adjacent to a fast flowing river.

The following morning we left for Hokitiki in the pouring rain , we antiscipated a large town as it looks like a "must see" destination on the map , however it was at its best a village. The local radio stations highlights being news of a lost tabby and swimming club closures at the local pool...how very interesting but it gained a giggle from us!

Next day , new adventure as we drove south to Franz Josef, we booked our full day hike on the Glaciers and took a short trip exploring the surrounding areas. As evening drew and the cloud lifted to reveal stunning mountains topped with snow and revealed the main attraction -The Glacier! A long strip of ice cut through the range , it was impressive and breathtaking. To Jess's delight i found us the most scenic spot to spend our evening, alongside the river with views of the bridge and the glacier and mountains in front of us. It made the wind, cold and rain more bearable just to witness sunset over this most stunning part of the coastline.

Placed in the southern alps , the glaciers are the worlds steepest and fastest flowing enclosed within the natural rainforest. Dont i know it after a eight hour hike my legs hurt so much i can hardly walk and this is two days later! At times the ice steps cut in by our guides Brad and Greg were so high my little legs couldnt reach and i was hoiked up by my arms!!! Jess meanwhile climbed with ease as her "sparrow" legs twindled up. It was an adventurous day and every step on the ice a risky one,-concentration levels were proved when our guide led us to a crevasse ending in slushy melting ice and the only way out was back! so rewind it was....

Squeezing through crevasses of blue ice Jordon our calofornian blonde harvard undergraduate screamed as anxiety rose in the tight space. I enjoyed slipping through the ice until frost bite was close to set in - we could no longer feel our toes or fingers my lower extremeties were frozen-the Hot Chocolate and showers on return was well needed and deserved.

It was a crazy day , the cold weather was worth every moment and added to the experience , to see such breathtaking views and explore such wonders.

Back at our retreat we were revolted by the vulgarity of human beings, every time we used the facilities someones bodily functions were heard- need i say more! Not a shamed face even and this was the Ladies room!!

Our drive to Wanaka heading south inland was a memorable one. The six hours flew by as we were stunned by the masses of mountaneous sharp edged greenery , fresh lakes flowing underneath with fields filled with sheep, deer and cows. The most beautiful healthy animals ive seen , their coats shining and good enough to eat!. It really is such a beautiful country, isolated in many areas and just our orange spaceship cruising the highway , we feel very privelged . Lake Wanaka , a small village located inland surrounded by snow topped mountains glistening in the blue sky and sunshine. YES the sun has made an appearance on day five and has saved the day!! Its warm and the smiles return. As Jess's T-shirt states" We are HAPPY CAMPERS!!".

The only disapointment being so far is that our 12,000 feet 45 second free fall Sky dive was cancelled in Wanaka due to high winds. Its a shame but we can still do it in the north island so all is not lost! It was a sweet stop spent in our Department of Conservation campsite surrounded by old kiwi folk before heading down to Queenstown.

Enough written to keep you entertained for the moment will catch up on return to christchurch

" HAPPY CAMPERS" XX