We have made it over to the South Island of New Zealand. After two full days of non-stop rain, followed by days of clouds and scattered showers and then more downpours, we are now fully aware why New Zealand is so green! Even so, the South Island is exceptionally scenic. Here is a run-down on some of the things we have been up to since arriving on the South Island 12 days ago.

Driving and Walking in Abel Tasman National Park - glad we weren't with the tour group that got soaked hiking in the rain for 4 days. We bought umbrellas.

Kayaking the Marlborough Sounds - I think I'm still sore from all that paddling! What an awesome experience!

Wine Tasting in Marlborough - glad we took the bus instead of the bike (it was cold, windy, and wet); besides, biking in a straight line would have been a challenge!

Whale Watching in Kaikoura - would probably have something intriguing to say if our trip wasn't cancelled (3 times!)

Soaking in the Thermal Pools at Hanmer Springs - Wow, this place was like a water park! Hmmm, which pool to choose? How about the least stinky?

Driving Over Arthur's Pass -the Southern Alps look a lot like the Canadian Rockies… except with warmer climate vegetation!

Hiking to Franz Josef Glacier - Cool (literally, haha), at least from what we could see (rain again, yay )

Walking Through the Forest to Roaring Billy Falls - We finally found something ideal for heavy rain! Amazing!

Considering how many activities there are to occupy our time, it is so easy to get into the mind set of simply cruising through without truly soaking in the essence of each one. To counterbalance this fact, we have been trying to slow ourselves down and spend more time observing and contemplating each scenic spot we come across. As a result, I think we have had a far more enriched experience than we would have had otherwise. As Ferris Bueller so wisely pointed out, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it." That's absolutely right!

Jeff