The train trip over from Greymouth yesterday to Christchurch was a little over hyped. Think it was probably because we have seen the best scenery already on our tour of the island so the ride through the alpines was not fantastic. The highlight being the tunnel at 5.5miles one of the longest in the world! We were sat opposite two old dears from wales I reckon they were 75 to 80. When we got to Christchurch last night there was a Chinese Lantern festival going o...

We arrived up the West coast yesterday to Franz Josef Galcier. The scenery on the 5 hour drive was the best we have seen on our trip, lots of mountains, really green lush rainforest, lakes and coastline with lovely blue sea. Once again we were in a YHA last night, and we were proudly putting the youth into the hostel, as everyone else was over 60. Our entertainment for the evening was watching all the old dears hang up there big pants on the washing line outiside...

Once again we had another long drive to our next stop Te Anau, the nearest town to Fiordland, and Milford sound. We continue to have problems getting accomodation, everywhere is completeley full. We got a lovely twin non ensuite room at the YHA! We had 2 beds head to head, stool and a lightbulb! To top it all the hostels are full of old people, and the 2 in the next room were at least 65, and got up at 5.30 and proceeded to keep us awake for the next 2 hours shuf...

Next stop was a couple of nights stopover in Christchurch, and our first experience of staying in a hostel with no ensuite! On Saturday we went to Akora, which is on the coast. The drive gave us some beautiful views of the long harbour, once again with shimmering green water, green hills and blue sky. We were hoping to go swimming with dolphins, we got kitted out in some very unflattering wet suits, and went up the inlet aboard a small dingy boat. Unfortunetly we...

After leaving Abel Tasman we drove to the east coast to Kaikoura. Basically this is THE place to come whale watching. As we drove down the coast I was very pleased to see lots more seals laid on the rocks. The sea also continued to be a lovely green colour. While driving Craig had a minor scare as he got stung by a wasp. However my medical kit came to the rescue and plucked the sting from his chest! (Dont panic Craigs mum & dad he had no reaction to the bite.) ...