It was nice to have a lazyish morning today, and not have to think about getting on the road today. We went into the local town for a look around, and to get some supplies in for the BBQ later today. There was a great fruit store and butchers next door to that, so we got stocked up. We even bought some mince pies but it doesn't feel quite right eating them in the blazing sun. Back at the house we prepped the food for later and the boys went town to join the local gym: 30NZD for 30 days. Us girls went for a run as the good living of the last few days is beginning to take its toll. We went for a run around the park and to the top of the hill ... read more

As we didn't make it to pancake rocks yesterday, we were up and about to get there this morning before heading onto Jackson for our final night in South Island. Everyone got talking to guy on the campsite who was in a Sharabang which apparently originated from Wales. Den was very impressed and declared he was going to get one for himself. Considering Jan didnt think he'd ever leave South Wales for this trip, hes now decided on his next visit and getting a Sharabang! We got to pancake rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki which are so called because of the way they have formed in stacks. Apparently scientists don't know why this is, and it is one of natures last secrets (or so it said on the sign) anyway they were good to see, and ... read more

We headed off this morning to have a walk up to the glacier, but stopped off on the way at Lake Matheson. This was a lovely little place where most of the postcards show the reflection of Mount Cook in the lake. We had breakfast in the cafe there as well and had a look around the gift shop and bought some postcards to send home. It was this morning that we noticed we were missing a little side window from the sleeping berth above the drivers side. Rhyds driving got the blame for that, but to be honest we don't know how or where we'd lost it, and surprised that we'd not noticed it fly off! We had a walk as far up to the glacier as we could go, and the sheer size was ... read more

This morning we were up and out to head to the bungee site at Kawarau Bridge. This was the first commercial bungee site in the world that opened in 1988, and was a 43 metre drop. It definitely didn't float my boat, nor Laura's , and as Gareth and Michelle did it when they were here 2 years ago, Daryl and Rhyd decided someone had to do it. It was a great facility, with a big screen in the cafe/shop area so you could watch each person hovering on the edge of the bridge before diving in. The boys paid their money and had the big weigh before heading down to bungee. The viewing area was great, and it was good to watch everyone pluck up the courage-some of the girls were so nervous but still ... read more

It seemed all slept well, and we'd ordered breakfast to be delivered to the room as a little treat. The weather had thankful changed for the better and the sun was shining through the window. We headed off to pick the camper vans up a little after 8, which wasn't too far from the motel. When we arrived, the guy said he was expecting us in the afternoon. Michelle was having none of it and explained she'd emailed a few times saying we'd be there for 9. One van was ready so we just had to wait for the other one to be restocked for bedding etc, so we went to the supermarket to save some time for later on. This was after we'd had the warning about Earthquakes, avalanches, high winds etc. the van we ... read more