We were due to meet up with Mark and Jo, from Africa, in Blenheim, but as we were earlier than expected, we carried on driving up to Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. We started to drive along the Queen Charlotte Drive, which is supposed to give a good impression of the Sounds, without having to do the 4 day tramp! As we pulled in to the first lookout, the clouds closed in and it started to pour with rain, so we couldn't see a thing! At least the van didn't leak! We decided to try and sit it out, and luckily it started to clear up. The drive took us along the winding coastline, and gave us an idea of the many narrow channels, bays and islands that make up the Sounds. We then drove back down to Blenheim, past lots of vineyards, and managed to find Mark and Jo's house. It was good to see them both again, and a few bottles of wine later we all crashed!

The next day, Mark, a vineyard manager, showed us around his work. It was really interesting to see the massive 'factory', and how many barrels of wine were being produced. We also saw some of the vines being harvested, before meeting up with Jo at a winery for lunch. The plan had been to then go winetasting in the afternoon, but we were all a bit broken from the night before so headed home to light up the fire!