New Zealand - South Island

Hey Readers,

We arrived in New Zealand July 4th, got picked up from the airport by Chris a mate of Lou's and headed into Christchurch.

We were staying in a very swanky flat with some of Chris's friends. The heating was sporadic to say the least and the rain was hacking it down. After a night of film watching, warming up and pizza we felt revived and hit the shops on the saturday dragging Sam along too (without too much of a struggle suprisingly). It snowed. A lot. Quite a snow storm in fact. Coats, boots, hats, scarfs, the works were bought!

That evening NZ All Blacks were playing South Africa so loads of guys came round to Sam, Charlie and Annabelles flat to general eat, drink and be merry. Afterwards we hit Christchurch and Charlie took us on to a Casino. Headed home after no wins.

Our next day was full of culture. Well a taster at least. Went to see the Catherdral in which were fish tanks. Now since when are there fish tanks in Cathedrals? Is it a feng shui thing?!? Anyway, sat down and some deep chats and not just about the fish. Afterwards went over to the arts centre to a market and carft centre. The fudge factory being the best bit by far, that could be because they were giving out freebies though....

Sams Mum then took us all out to Lone Star for a lovely meal to feed us up before jumping on to the kiwi experience bus. After hearing some interesting tales of the type of people on these tours we were pleasantly suprised. They are not all 18 nor weirdos but all awesome fun people.

The tour takes us all around the south island and the north up to Auckland. Have been to Kaikora, Westport, Nelson and are in Franz Joseph at the mo. Meant to be doing a hike up the glacier today but unfortunately it got cancelled due to the weather. GP, our bus driver, has delayed our departure tomorrow so we will have another opportunity to do it tomorrow instead, yay.

So far we have been speed boating doing 360 spins at high speed, so much fun and very wet, dressing up at the poo pub with the eldest publican in the country at 83, wine tasting, Seal watching, lots of coastal walks, seen pancake rocks and gone to the most central point of NZ at sunset (up a big mountain!).

Having a great action packed time and so grateful for the warm clothes we bought!

More to come soon,
Lots of love and missing home (especially soft toilet paper, warm showers and comfy beds)
S, S and L
xxxx

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