Left Christchurch bright and early to head towards the west coast of the South Island. To say that the distance wasn't very far it took a very long time, due to the mountain roads and a mini landslide that blocked the road. The mountains in the middle of the South Island have a very similiar appearance to those in the Lake District. The west coast apparently gets on average 6 metres (18 feet) of rain a year compared to the English 80cm (2 1/2 feet), so is pretty lush and has a rainforest. The coast line is spectular and great.

First was to Westport a small town on the coast and then down the coast towards Lake Manihupua. Both fairly unremarkable places, just places to stay. Next was Lake Wanaka, which is beautiful. This was followed by Franz Josef, where I went sunset kayaking on the lake. This was a great experience but followed the next day by Ice climbing on the glacier. Ice climbing is pretty tiring and hard work but definitely worth it. Now in Queenstown the home to adventure sports....