We headed further south to arrive Taupo, probably my favourite place on the North Island. It was beautiful, the weather was great, blue skies, a few clouds and the sun shining. Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in the whole of New Zealand and is actually the world's largest eruption site!

I had originally wanted to do my sky dive in Taupo as heard it was amazing. It is also the cheapest in NZ, but I had looked more into the dive at Franz Josef over the glaciers which would be equally amazing but I had been told, if its a clear day, just jump. Because if I got further south and the weather messed up I would be screwed as would miss my chances to jump....so we got to Taupo and it was a clear day but I still couldnt decide to risk it or not. But a load of mates from the bus were doing it too and telling me to just jump with them. So I decided too, best decision ever!!!

I've always wanted to do a sky dive and for some reason was no phased by the thought of jumping out of a plane. I decided to go for the full monty pckage, 15,000ft jump (the highest tandem jump u can do anywhere) and get the photos, group dvd and personal handycam of it, so expensive but worth it to capture what was one of the most amazing things I have ever done!!! I was so pumped, as you can tell from those who have watched my video. I thought though maybe when the doors actually opened I would get scared, but for some reason I did not even fret. It was the most amazing feeling ever and I loved every single second (there was 60 seconds of free falling before the parachute opens)

That night was also when i was going to get my degree results, so alongside celebrating us all doing our sky dive, at 11pm NZ time I was able to log on and see I got my 2.1! Wahoo. More partying, that night we all had fun at the backpacker bar.

The next day we all enjoyed a rare lay in, which we took much advantage of, not arising til lunch time. I walked along the riverfront which was stunning. Was really cold though, just getting me prepared for how cold the south island is going to be!!

I was gutted as we were meant to be doing the Tongario Crossing that day but it was too snowy and ice conditions in the mountains so the walk was cancelled. Luckily though the next day we were able to do a hike in the Tongario National Park. The weather was beautiful, clear blue sky, sun shining and snow everywhere. Flea our driver said we were lucky as last week when she came it was all overcast and didn't look half as stunning. It is so nice to breathe this fresh air and soak up the natural surroundings you are in.

That evening we reached River Valley, a unique over night stop the Kiwi experience takes you too. An adventure lodge in the middle of nowhere, literally inbetween a valley and a river flowing through it. We were basically the only guests staying there and had to share the 'orgy dorm' which sounds like the worst nightmare but was actually pretty cosy. Basically one massive bunk bed, with room for ten people on the bottom and ten on top. It was freezing in there that night so went to bed with hoodies and trackies on!! The next morning some of us went walking in the grounds, there was this rope pulley thing which you used to cross the river!! Pretty funny. It was so crisp and fresh but blue sky. We climbed up this steep hill to reach the top and get a nice view over the lodge abd grounds.

That afternoon we headed to NZ's capital city, Wellington. I said goodbye to my friends on the bus as I was going to stay with Vicky (Charlotte's older sister) for the weekend as she lives here. Wow her house is amazing. She shares with some friends and they basically were lucky enough to get an amazing deal on this brand new, what would be worth a few millions in the UK, house with floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the harbour, mountains and a beach. It literally had one of the nicest views I have ever seen. Stunning!

Went out for dinner with some of Vicky and Natalie's friends then went off to explore Wellington nightlife. Was pretty good! The next day after a nice lie in we went for lunch in the city and walked around a bit. That night we decided to chill in (Vicky was still pretty hungover) but I was more than happy to just relax, we made dinner and watched some films. The next day I went to Te Papa, the amazing museum in Wellington, it was really good. Really interactive and so much to see and do.

Next stop, heading down to the South Island. So many people told us that the North Island is rubbish and don't waste much time here but me and all the friends I've made on our Kiwi Bus have had an amazing time, every single day having such good fun. So if things are only going to get even better then wow!!