After a very (!) early start the next morning we headed to Franz Josef Glacier town where we spent the next few days exploring. We used our free day to do a Franz Josef glacier hike- it was so strenuous and really tough but when we got onto the glacier and were able to see all of the natural ice caves we realised it was well worth it. In the pictures you'll see us sporting some rather attractive matching blue coats!

On our way to Wanaka the following day we stopped at Lake Matheson where we were lucky enough to see a complete mirror image of Mount Cook reflected in the water. We spent the afternoon exploring the town of Wanaka and then had a huge group barbeque at the hostel.

The next day we made our way to the infamous Queenstown where we were prepared for a LOT of partying. On the way we stopped at Kawarau Gorge where the world's first commercial bungy jump took place- quite a lot of our friends were mad enough to try it so we watched them for most of the afternoon (we were far too scared). The next 5 days spent in Queenstown consisted of a lot of partying, eating at the one and only 'Fergburger', teapot cocktails at World Bar, picnics in the park and much more fun. I would actually say that out of everywhere we visited in New Zealand- Queenstown was my favourite place.

We were in such a bad mood when we finally left Queenstown for Christchurch where we had to prepare to say goodbye to the group- perhaps the 7.15am start had something to do with it though? We somehow managed the 8 hour horrendous coach journey and arrived at Christchurch in time to go to a lovely restaurant for our last meal and some drinks together as a group. We're now hanging around in Christchurch until tomorrow afternoon when we will catch our flight to Melbourne, exciting times…