On Tuesday, after our first night of heavy rain we took the ferry ride to the South Island, where we plan to stay until heading back to the North Island for my Dad and Jan's wedding on Valentine's Day.

During the ferry journey I heard a local woman saying that Nelson (where we were planning to go after getting off the boat) had also had heavy rain and the roads might be blocked so not to got there, it was better to head south towards Christchurch. We dived into our rucksack, dragged out our road map and started to plan alternative destinations. We considered Blenheim, where all the wineries are. But then we heard someone else say they'd seen on the TV the night before that the wineries were flooded too.

Three hours passed and the ferry approached Picton. The sun shone on this small port town nestled in steep tree covered hills. As it looked inviting we decided to stay here for a night or two, check the weather forecast and work out where to go next.

We found a campsite backing onto the mass of forests, and within walking distance of the town. It even came with mallard ducks wandering around - two of them appear to have adopted us.

Picton is a small town (population c. 2000) so you can't really get lost. There's a main street with the usual shops and restaurants. The hills above the town look great for walking around, and there are boat trips out to the Marlborough Sounds.

We have been very impressed with the facilities and prices at all four of the campsites we have stayed in so far. They have all had shower and toilets blocks, and a kitchen, all of them clean. We've so far chosen the sites at the cheaper end of the market - $20 to $30 a night, that's £7.40 to £11.10 for both of us.

I anticipated seeing a lot of young, drunken, student types eating baked beans out of tins. However, we have experienced quite the opposite. Last night in Wellington a Finnish couple in their late 20's spent the evening writing postcards and what looked like scrap booking. Another couple in their 30's roasted a poussin each to go alongside their salad. There are also many retirees, usually heading to the toilet block in dressing gowns (and no that's not Richard!). The students are probably staying at the luxury four-star hotel round the corner spending their student loans.

Katy