After leaving Taupo we headed off to Wellington (Lord of the Rings Country). Saw the views of Tangario National Park (that was used in the film). Got to Wellie in the afternoon and went to the National Museum of New Zealand (which was Free and rather interesting) and after this I was feeling ill. Bloody Cold, chesty cough and sore thoat. I am gutted as this looks like a livey place. Alan went out and I went to bed! Fun hey. Left Wellie the next day (we will be coming back here in a few weeks so we will do more then) and got the boat over to the south island. Rather quick crossing on the ferry, just 3 hours (Al had a a big hangover and slept most of it). Arrived a Picton then headed down to Nelson, rather quiet town. Just chilled in the hostel, should have really made the effort to see Abel Tasman National Park, maybe on the way back. I was still feeling a little ill. Next day off to Greymouth, a bus ride over the Hope Saddle and through the Buller Gorge. The west coast was looking great. The bus stopped and we had a walk through the Truman Trek and we saw the coast line and rainforest upfront. In the afternoon we stoped at Punakaiki and saw the Pancake rocks and a few blowholes. All really cool. Once in Greymouth we went on the Monteiths Brewery Tour and then had an eat all you want BBQ $5 - bargin. After Greymouth we went to Franz Josef where I had a great time. On the way down we went pass the Lake Matheson (Mirror Lake), the reflections of the southern alps and mt cook in the lake - looks amazing. First thing we did when we got there was go on a Kayaking trip on the lake. It was great, I was in one of my blonde moods and the guide thought I was a nutter. Saw him later that night and managed to knock a glass of red wine over him - whoops! :) At the end of the tour we kayaked back with the sun going down it was a great view. (check out the photos). The next day we were up early again for the Ice Climbing up the Franz Josef Glacier. We were given boots and also trampons (metal spike things to put on your shoes so you can grip onto the ice). We hiked upto the glacier, getting used to the boots and walking on the ice. Once we got far up into the glacier we found a high piece of ice and the guide showed us how to climb it using the shoes and pick axes. It looks easy, but it is hard. We were harnesed by a rope to the guide incase we fell. The wall was only about 20 meter high, but I was still scared, I had no trust in the rope. I managed to get half way up each time. The absailing bit down was also a bit too much for me. I was acting like a right wimp (must be getting old). Good day but I think I could have done better, maybe next time. The guide and our group were all really nice and they were all encouraging. After the hike down we were all knackered, every bone in our bodies aches. Once back at the hostel got in the spa - nice. Then went to the pub to get over all that stress.