We headed up over the Alps cutting into central South Island. As soon as we started descending the other side of the mountains the cloud broke and glorious sunshine abound. Traversing gorges by single track wooden bridges and following rivers by roads cut precariously into the valley walls we then skirted immense wind swept lake shores before arriving at the southern tip of Lake Wanaka. We camped on the shores of the lake with stunning views across the water to t...

A fantastic drive south which took us over densely forested mountains, along rivers and gorges and finally along the west coast amid dramatic cliffs, endless beaches and azure seas. We found a lovely campsite dramatically set at the foot of granite outcrop with views across the beach where we enjoyed the sunset and collected some pebbles for Tor! After dinner we supped a couple of Macs at the village's only bar before walking to the glow worm caves which was a bi...

Our next destination, Takaka, our sole purpose to visit this town was The Mussel Inn as recommended by Sharon. We were not too concerned with the lack of petrol in Bruce as our map indicated we would pass through many towns en route. These towns however, transpired to be nothing more than a cluster of houses which were passed by unnoticed. It was difficult to fully appreciate the lush green landscape as we silently prayed to see a petrol station soon. The road st...

The early morning ferry across to Picton was a dull affair as the rain was even more pesistent than the previous two days. We were hoping for glorius views of the sounds as we came into Picton but all we got were shadowy outlines of the hills through the mist and rain. We decided to head straight to Abel Tasman, giving the Marlborough Sounds a miss as it didnt sound too appealing in the rain, besides we could do it on the way back up. En route to Abel Tasman we...

Surprised at the lack of aching limbs from the Tongariro Crossing we were up early to head for Wellington. Bruce wasn't feeling so well but a jump start soon got him going and we were on our way. The skies were grey, rain was iminent so we were pleased we had booked into a hostel for our first major city in New Zealand. Looking forward to not having to cook on a camping stove we headed to what looked like a lovely Thai restaurant. Thirty minutes later Jona was ...