28/1/06 Today we woke up at 6am to leave for Sydney airport to head to New Zealand for 7am. Our flight was at 9.30am. Weactually left the airport at 10am. As we were arriving into The South Island we flew over the southern alps and it was the most amazing view, so breath taking. When we eventually got out the airport, which this time we did not gett arrested as we declared everything even my brand new hiking boots, we found ourselves a shuttle bus to take us to our hotel. As soon as we arrived and checked in we headed fro a shower and then dinner. The food was really cheap and theny give u loads, it like American portions (madness)! After dinner we met our tour manager and some of our group, they seemed ok but never judge a book by its cover right!