Having left Nelson after a brief stop it was time for another one nighter in Westport. It was a bit of a mission on the bus (although not compared to Oz standards) and our first stop was a lake. Hearing that there might be a swimming opportunity the lads had packed their speedos and we were off. A brisk 45 minute walk around our first (of what would be many) picturesque lakes we arrived to the end and a jetty. Having assessed the water temperature and all agreeing there would be serious shrinkage Matt, Luke and Chris decided that it had been to long since they had bombed in anywhere and doned the bathers. All geared up with a little bit of a crowd there was no backing out. A brief sprint along the jetty and one giant leap the boys soon realised it was a little colder than anticipated. A few more shivering show boats and the lads whisked themselves back into the changing rooms, slightly unable to talk but with a taste of what doing some unusual activities was going to take!

Back on the bus and hugging each other for body warmth it was time to get to know our new bus driver that would be baby sitting us down the coast. His name was Kane and as i suspect most of them are, that guys a legend. He was packing many a catchphrase however for the rest of our days we will always remember being awoken from sleep by the words 'Wakey, wakey. Hands of snakey'. Genius. After a couple more scenic stops it was time to hit 'Dogs' place. This guy is a pro Jetboat man and we wanted in on the action. Having signed up it turned out that our driver was also a qualified Jetboat nutter so he would be taking us in the second group. Dropped our gear off in our new pad (more of a house for us boys with a coal fire - nice) and it was back to the river. Got kitted out in something that only Dale Winton would feel at home in - although none of us seemed to complain..... and hit the water for our sunset thrashing. Going up the river we took it easy. The odd sharp turns but nothing spectacular, taking in the scenery with photo based opportunites. About 45 minutes in though (of an hour and a quarter ride) and all looking like iceicles it was time to rev it up. Basically we spent the rest of the ride heading down the river narrowly missing rocks, pulling 360 degree turns and occassionly just putting on the hand brake for wet based banter. Quality cheap bit of fun even if we all got off a little damp and cold and gagging for an open fire which we soon had back at base. Warming up the cockles it was there time for our warm up night with everyone travelling on the Kiwi (70 plus of us). First up we had a cheeky little pizza which went down a storm and then it was onto the black and white for some beers. It was a random night. A lot of people to meet and it became clear we were packing some characters. This was going to be different! Unbeknown to us however we had already be labelled Team Testosterone and it seemed the stage was set. The West Coast was going to be explosive. A few more beers and some banter unitl the wee hours back at the hostel and it was time to gear up for Greymouth and fancy dress. Oh boy.