I left the bus behind and arrived in Kaikoura on Valentine's Day. I had previously booked myself into a place called dolphin lodge which has proven to be one of my favourite hostels so far, exactly what I've been looking for after the run of the mill hostels kiwi ex bring you to. I re met a girl I'd met in Franz Josef which was very cool and gained some Australian parents which my own parents will be glad to know I'm sure (they were checking I drank enough water,...

After the adrenalin filled madness that was Queenstown we headed northbound, east coast this time, to Lake Tekapo. The numbers on the bus were significantly reduced and the feeling noticeably subdued in comparison to the vibe experienced entering Queenstown. I had said goodbye to Christian my Danish friend at Milford and Tom and Ally a few days previous so I too was feeling a bit less psyched entering a bus full of unknowns with little enthusiasm. Nevertheless I ...

My third day in Queenstown consisted of a monumental bike ride (another escapade for which I was thoroughly unprepared!) through very mountainous terrain to a place called Arrowtown, a very cute town that looked like it had been plucked straight from an old country and western. The whole bike ride albeit a struggle was very beautiful, probably one of the most picturesque I will ever do in my life. 60km later bruised and shattered I treated myself to warm cookies ...

Q'town, this is gonna be the long blog. I arrived in Queenstown on the 7th and don't leave until the 12th, however, the past three days have already been worthy enough of their own blog. The 7th was pretty chilled, went for a slap up meal and cheap drinks all night courtesy of kiwi experience! Went to some interesting little bars and had good chats before retiring a little bit early for my impending bungy jump the next morning. Slept very little as might be expec...

When it rains it pours! I arrived in Franz Josef village, the home of the glacier of same name yesterday morning. The weather has taken a turn to climes more reminiscent of Ireland and the UK which has meant I have sadly been unable to do the ice explorer glacier climb. I have been lucky enough however to find a space between the raindrops to do the glacier valley walks taking me to within a few metres of the terminal face of the glacier. For those uninterested i...