Hi there! So made it back from the trek - just! Been a million miles from any kind of civilisation - me and Vince took a few days in the Abel Tasman National Park. Tramped 45Km in 3 days!! There was no drinking water and so we had to carry everything needed for 3 days out in the sticks. We managed to consume the better part of our rations on day one!!!!! had a really great time and met some lovely people, but the walk is no comparison to the Tongariro. The huts were really good fun - basic but cozy set right on the beach. We had to cross several estuaries - one of which we hit at high tide and were thus unable to cross!! Doh! Chilling out in Nelson at the mo (South IS.) - staying at a really nice hostel with sauna, spa, outdoor pool, free breakfast and soup in the evening! Loving it. Met up with some 'old friends' (as in we have known each other nearly a week - so that in travellers terms is a long time!). Got off the travel network bus (Stray) as now feel confident enough to make it on my own.Probably gonna hitch south with them. The weather is really wonderful here so am going to hit the beach later today xx