To pick up where I left off, from Wellington we caught the ferry to the South Island landing in a small place called Picton to carry on our journey to the first stop in the South Island, Kaiteriteri. Kaiteriteri is a very small place just on the cusp of the Abel Tasman national park, New Zealand's smallest but most visited national park. My second day in Kaiteriteri I got an aqua taxi into the national park and did a half day walk through lush forest and golden b...

As I have free wifi and an hour or so to spare I thought I'd also write a little bit deservedly about the awesome people I have met thus far. Travelling alone most would say has its pros and cons - I have certainly felt the lack of someone by my side at times during the first part of the trip whilst at other times feeling overjoyed with my own space and time to just soak it all up without noise or interference. I think In general I am quite happy to have done thi...

After leaving Taupo we continued onto a place called River valley, where we stayed in a lodge in a secluded location on the Rangitikei river. The backdrop to this place was fantastic, however the white water rafting had been turned into more of a "ducky" activity according to the lodge due to low water levels from the absolute scorching heat that's hit the country this summer. I think the locals are fearing a drought up north if rain doesn't hit soon! Despite th...

After leaving Waitomo (the place of the wonderful glow worms) I headed to smelly Rotorua for two nights. Roturua is famous for its geothermal activity, hot springs and volcanic landscapes, the sulphur being the reason I say smelly Rotorua! On my first night here I went to Tamaki Maori village where I got to experience some traditional Maori customs - the Haka being one of many! We finished off the night with a beautiful meal cooked using the traditional Hangi met...

So...this blog is unfortunately quite retrospective and not in order due to my inability to work modern technology i.e wifi on my camera and the fact that I take offence to being charged 6 dollars for wifi. Since last I wrote I have been to Paihia (Bay of islands), hot water beach and Waitomo. Pictures I post now only show Cathedral cove as that's all that's on my phone! Three highlights so far have been hot water beach at midnight gazing up at the stars (you cou...