A 5 hour train journey took us down the east coast from Picton to Christchurch. Despite the weather being rubbish the scenery was still stunning , with mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean the other and hundred of seals along the rocks by the sea. It was raining when we arrived in Christchurch and pretty much stayed that way until we left! We stayed for 2 nights at Foley Towers Backpackers and did the main sights: the cathedral, River Avon and the botani...

After meeting up with Jamies dad and his friend Dermot in wellington, being treated to a few meals, walking round nature reserve and driving up Mount Victoria, they decided to come along on the ferry ride with us to Picton in the south island for a day trip. Picton was a quite little town, probably smaller than deal! weather was on and off during our few days there. we stayed at a great hostel called Tombstone backpackers; it was newly furnished and quite luxuri...

After a 10 hour bus journey, travelling pretty much the length of the North Island we arrived in the capital, Wellington. Then, had to trek a few hills in some bloody strong winds! Apparently they call it "Windy Welly" here. Not a bad little hostel and have met some really nice people here too. We were orignally staying here for 3 nights and now staying for 6 as my Dad is driving down to meet us...hopefully he'll take us out for meal as we seem to be l...

To end the year 2009, we went out on a fishing trip. Got a boat with a group of other people out to Whale Island, off whakatane, and were shown some little tips on how to catch some nice big fish and we were away! Kirsty got the ball rolling catching one the minute she put her line in the sea (first person on the boat), then Steve (Kirstys dad) was showing us all hows it done...we lost count of how many he caught! As for me, it wasnt really happening...or so eve...

Merry Christmas everyone! We spent xmas day, as you do, on the beach, swimming (ignorant to the fact there's been sighting of sharks) playing cricket and sunbathing! Lovely. Boxing day went fishing and caught 9 fish!! none big enough to eat but thats not the point! Kirsty then caught another 3 the next day. All in all an excellent christmas...looking forward to new years eve. We're all going out on a boat trip....fishing, hoping to catch something a bit bigger...