Hello everyone,

So our time in New Zealand is up, and its fair to say we've had a fantastic time here. Since last time we have travelled the south island which was an amazing experience.

We left Wellington for Nelson, the first stop on the South Island where we would also meet up with a few of the guys that left wellington before us. On the journey to Nelson, we learned that we could skydive there and so took full advantage of the opportunity. We skydived the next morning at around 7:30am, which was absolutely great, giving us a massive adrenaline rush coupled with stunning views of the Southern Alps and Abel Tasman National Park at sunrise. We also engaged in a 9-man strong game of poker with the guys, with $5 each going into the pot. Unfortunately neither Brett or I won the $45 on offer but it was good fun nonetheless.

After Wellington we travelled down the west coast of the South Island, stopping at a couple of backwater towns for the night. One of those included the 'poo pub' a quirky joint owned by a chap called Les who, at 83, is the oldest publican in New Zealand! That night we had a fancy dress party with the theme being something beginning with the first letter of our names. I decided to go as a Wizard, wearing a Wizard hat and a Sarong for a cape, accompanied by a wand. Brett went as a binbag, which involved him wrapping himself in about 15 binbags. Genius.

Next stop was Franz Josef Glacier, the fastest moving glacier in the world dont you know. We had a full day hike there, consisting of around 8 hours of walking. Although it rained/snowed for about 7 hours and 55 minutes of that it was really great fun, and the glacier itself is amazing, with the ice formations creating some beautiful scenery.

After Franz Josef we began to head inland for Queenstown, party central of New Zealand. Queenstown was also where we were meeting up with the rest of the bus that had left us at Wellington, so needless to say it was going to be a bit of a partying stop. The first night we went to the famous world bar, where they serve cocktails in a teapot! They had a deal going as well where if you bought a teapot, you could roll a dice, and if you rolled a high number (4, 5 or 6) you would get it for free. Brett didnt have much luck with the game but i managed to swindle three free cocktails! Good times.

Queenstown is also adventure capital of New Zealand, home to the Nevis bungy (134m) and skiing in New Zealand. Whilst i only opted to go skiing, Brett went all out and went for the bungy, the second highest in the world. By all accounts it was amazing and he has the photos and the DVD to prove it. Skiing in Queenstown was also great, and a strange experience to ski outside of europe for the first time.

Our last stop in New Zealand was Christchurch, in which we only had 12 or so hours. We went out for a meal to celebrate our time in New Zealand, and we certainly have enjoyed ourselves and met some great people.

For the next seven days we will be island hopping around fiji, spending a lot of time round the locals which should be a great experience. Its also quite remote so chances are I wont be writing again until we've finished Fiji.

Til next time x