Hi there,

Now in Picton which is on the tip of the South Island. I've been here for a few days waiting for the rain to stop so I can start my hike across the Queen Charlotte trail. (3 day hike). Winter woolies and rain coats are in. Very stylish and warm.  I've had 3 days of constant rain. Yesterday, I spent most of the day watching films, making mulled wine and homemade soup. Everyone in the hostel loved it and contributed to it. There's a mini business in the making.... Here'an up-date of Wellington.

WELLINGTON.

Wellington is a thriving young city with a good cafe culture. The city is surrounded by hills, harbours and coastlines. Its often called 'Windy Welly' because surprise, surprise it gets very windy. The name is well suited and true to form. The people in Welly are very active, it was nice to see people running and cycling all around the city. Welly, was once home to the 'Mountain Runner's Championships and Iron Man competitions. My hostel was nice. I could swing big cats in my room and I had a real bed, meaning it wasn't a rickety bunkbed. It was a stable single with a non lumpy mattress. My hostel was also in a good location. My back yard was Mount Victoria. Mount Vicotira  had hundreds of wooded trails to run and bike along. A few scenes from 'lord of the rings' was filmed on Mount Vic. I have noticed that every place I have visited has refences from the film, whether I have met people have lent their horses for the film, been extras in the film  or scenes of the landscape have been filmed there.  The Lord of the Rings has made a huge impact to New Zeland.

During my stay in here, I did alot of walking around the city and the botanical gardens. I also hiked along the Red Coastal Walk. At the end of this walk was a seal colony with 80 odd males. I met a dutch girl called Kirsten at the start of my hike so we joined forces. Our hike was over six hours, so when we returned we went out for a meal at a nice cheap chinese restaurant. (Kirsten and I will be doing the Queen Charlotte trail together here in Picton). I enjoyed Welly from  the people I met, my hostel and its back yard, the coffee shops and of-course the seals.

Well, you won't hear from me for a while because I will be off hiking out in the back country with Kirsten.  I'm really looking forward. I've been told it will be like doing the coast to coast.  So untill next time, take care of yourselfs.

Lots of Love Annie.