Got up nice and early for the ferry across to the south island which took 3 hours, had soem good breakfast and went back to sleep!! Once in the south in Picton we got back on the bus and stopped off at the Village winery for lunch and some wine tasting. Have to say they were a bit stingy with the portions!!! After that we made our way through the windy roads and mountains to Nelson. Bit of a drama on the way the buses lugguage thing opened and loads a bags fell out!! Not mine thank god! Once in Nelson we did some beer tasing and had a roast dinner and apple crumble! Went out for a bit in the evening with Tom where he tried to teach me pool....again!!

The next day we got up and hired a car between the six of us (Ben is another addition to our party now). Then headed around the coast to Abel Tasman national park. There was stunning scenery all the way, green hills and mountains and the ocean, was really warm and sunny too. Once we arrived in the national park we parked up and got a water taxi heading north. We stopped off at a famous broken stone thing in the middle of the sea and also at some lovely little beach coves. We decided to get off at a place called Ancorage as that had been recommended as a good beach. Which it was. Hardly anyone there, clear water and white sand with huge hills and mountains behind. Had our pininc lunch there before doing the 4 hour walk through the park to our car. Was a bit tiring but had wonderfull coastal views and times, went through the rainforest and stopped at some secluded beaches.

When we got home we had some dinner at our hostel which was a lovely gastro pub place and then had an early night.

The next day Louise me Tom and andrew booked on a winery tour. We set off at lunch time and went to 5 winerys for tasting and platters of yummy food!! Was really good day and written down some of the good wines that they apparantly sell at home. Also saw more of the countryside in the area and learnt about its history. In the evening we all went out with some other friends Will and Sandy who had caught up with our bus again. Went to an irish bar...lots of dancing!!