Hi Guys,

Hope everyone is keeping well. I have just arrived in Franz Josef and have just organized a guided tour on the glacier for a full day. (8hrs). I can't wait. It has been one of the activities I have been looking forward to doing in New Zealand. The weather could be better, I have had lots of rain, thank-god for raincoats and hats! Here's an update...

Abel Tasmen (Marahau)

Abel Tasmen National Park is on the coast of the north tip on the south island. I found it to be one of the most beautiful places I've seen so far. I loved it for the sunshine, the native bush, the protected golden beaches and the beautiful blue green waters.There were many secluded bays both small and large. I stayed at 'Old MacDonald's Farm. It was a tranquil place. My cabin looked over meadow fields with willow trees, sheep and larmas. There was also cows, ducks, dogs and cats. I went sea kayaking for the day. It was fantastic. The weather couldn't have been better. We had brilliant sunshine whilst we paddled around the bays and along the deserted beaches. We stopped off a few times for a picnic. (coffee and cakes). Our guide was very good. I met a nice couple from Chepstow. I also hiked (7hrs) along the coastal track. I had to catch a water taxi to get to the start of my hike. I enjoyed my hike because I didn't have share my path with anyone. The bays I walked along were amazing because there was not a soul on them. It was marvelous. The weather didn't hold out for me, it rained but I didn't mind because I was protected by the bush and sub tropical forest, so once again it was hard not to smile.

Barrytown (Geek Party).

There really isn't anything in Barrytown other than a pub, a few houses, a beach and a school. We stayed at the pub so naturally during the evening, we got drunk.... We stopped off at a town for food shopping and we raided a Salvation Army shop to buy clothes for a geek party. (Further details will be given). We also got to stop off at a brewery to taste the local beers and visit the Pancake Rocks in the rain. Pancake rocks are limestones that have been weathered and layered through time. The stacks of rocks look like huge stacks of pancakes. Due to bad weather I didn't spend much time admiring them. I got soaked looking at them for 8 minutes. Not good.... The night at Barrytown was very entertaining. Our 'geek party' was hilarilous. I wore a delightful floral dress with an un-matching bag and hat. We must have looked very freaky for the locals, but they seemed un phased and joined in. Five of us had to have a 'geek dance off' on top of the bar and sadly I was one of them. My chicken dance routine was not good enough. However, I was proud not to have won. It was a nasty sight for every man, dog and freak.

Take care for now.

Lots of love Annie.