We had a great drive to Queenstown via Akaroa where we managed to indulge in some wine tasting, something Pete had been looking forward to before we'd even left the UK. Ash suddenly decided he wasnt going to be the designated driver which was convienient however we all enjoyed hearing how the wine was made and how the different tastes were acquired before heading to our accomodation for the next 2 nights. Queenstown was definately where its at for adventurous activities, a small ski resort packed with young people looking for their next adrenalin fix. Ash found his the following day when he signed up for one of AJ Hacketts (the founder of bungy) bungy jump; the Nevis which stands at 134m high, the highest in Australasia. Julie, Pete and I took in the sights of the harbour area and lounged on the beach with a Starbucks which didnt seem quite as exciting as Ashs venture but none of us had the guts to join him! A few hours later he texted to say he was back and so off we went to find him, all smiles and full of stories of how good it was (he also said he got pretty scared in the cable car out to the bungy). We all then indulged in the notorious 'Fergburger' which had been recommended to us by numerous travellers along the way. It definately lived up to the hype!! The rest of our day was spent watching the paragliders, chartting about whether we should do it or not and thinking about what next.

On the Sunday morning we headed off to Wanaka where Ash and I had booked in our skydive; the next adrenalin fix on out agenda. Thankfully the sun was still shining (we`d had good weather most days so far which is great) and the skys were blue; the perfect setting for our jump. Neither of us were nervous and we enjoyed a stopoff in Arrowtown, a lovely picturesque former gold mining town which was home to many lovely little shops and cafes.

As we drove into Wanaka we passed the airport and my stomach started to turn at the thought of our jump. I think it had finally dawned on me that we were doing it! After dropping off our bags at the YHA we went back to the airport and after filling in the paperwork we were suited up in our lovely outfits (im sure you`ll agree how flattering they are!). Julie was well up for doing it too but on second thought realised she wouldnt be insured for skydiving but we were both really impressed she was up for it. Maybe something we can treat her too for her next birthday!?

After being introduced to our tandem diver (note from the pictures Ash got the crazy one!) we headed for the plane and off we went. It was a particuarly tight fit in the tiny plane with us all sat back to back. As we approached 8,000 ft our partner attached himself to us as we continued to take in the magnificent views we could see from the plane. Truly amazing, the plane ride was definately worth the money even if the jupm wasnt! After 20 minutes we finally reached 12,000 ft, the height we were to jump from and up came the door. It was only a simple shutter that rolled back behind our heads!! I was still not feeling nothing but excitement which amazed me as I am so scared of heights but as soon as the door opened and I felt the air rushing against my face, the adrenalin kicked in. Ash went before we and as I watched him fall from the edge and disappear within a matter of seconds the adrenalin definately started to rush around my body!! Next was my go and I didnt dare look down as we approached the edge. After a few seconds my partner asked if I was ready and as I screamed 'Yes lets do it!', off we went! I cant tell you how good it feels to fall for 45 seconds taking in the maginifcent scenery that New Zealand has to offer. It was the best experience of my life for sure! After the freefall we released the parachute (around 4,00o ft) and sailed back to the airport taking in more of the views and looking for Julie and Pete who were on video and photo duty. We are definately looking forward to showing you the video when we get home.