After the excitement of Taupo it was nice to have some chill out time in River Valley. On the way there we stopped in the Tongariro national park to see more familiar scenery from the Lord of the rings and the 3 massive volcanoes that dominate it. We visited the Tawhai falls where some people jumped off after believing our drivers promise of a 22 degree hot pool at the bottom. It was actually 2 degrees so pretty glad i gave that a miss! We stayed at a family run lodge right on the river, surrounded by cliffs and hills, and offering a pork roast dinner with apple sauce and all the trimmings! Next morning we sunbathed by the river before heading to Wellington for the St Patricks day celebrations. Couldn't find anything green to wear in my extensive travel wardrobe and didnt drink any guiness but still got into the spirit of things by visiting every irish pub in the city!

With only one day in Wellington we were all up early to explore the city, starting off by moving into our new hostel. Had no trouble finding it as the whole outside was painted in zebra stripes! We walked down to the harbour front, played in the park and then caught the cable car up to the botanical gardens. Got a gorgeous view over the whole of Wellington before walking back down through the gardens to the city, enjoying the rose garden and a brief stop in the cafe. Spent the afternoon at Te Papa museum, a really interesting place about how New Zealand was formed and with lots of interactive things to stop you getting bored! And the best thing was that it was free!

We left Wellington early on Wednesday and said goodbye to the North island as we boarded our ferry for the 3 hour crossing to Picton. We passed through the cook strait and Queen Charlotte sound with mountains popping up around us and the sun shining down. We arrived in Picton, boarded our new giant green bus and drove through the Marlborough valley. This is the sunniest area in New Zealand so they grow all their fruit here, most importantly the grapes for making wine! We stopped for lunch at a winery where we were treated to free wine tasting. I'd already finished my first sample when then the woman started to explain the cprrect way to taste wine but luckily I got a 2nd go! Apparently gulping it down is the best way to get the full flavour on your tongue so most of you would be pretty good at it! We carried on to Nelson via the Pelorus scenic reserve (more swimming in freezing water or walking around), checked in and walked up to the centre of New Zealand with plans to watch the sunset over Nelson. We passed the botanic field, where the first NZ rugby match was played and then struggled up to the top. Was worth it though to see the miles of mountain ranges and the sea. Didn't realise how late the sun actually set here so after an hour, with our tummies rumbling, we decided we'd head back. Treated ourselves to a proper meal out with some locally made red wine and went to bed satisfied!

Next morning I got the bus to the Abel Tasman national park. I was dropped at Kaiteriteri beach (one of the top 5 in the world according to the Guardian) and booked onto an aqua taxi to take me to the start of the park. Was good to see the park from the water as we sped past Split Apple rock, Adele island and loads of secluded beaches and bays with the mountains in the background. Thought the tree penguins were really cute and unusual until I was told at the end of the day that the boat driver was winding me up and no such thing exists! Got dropped at Anchorage, a long stretch of empty beach, where I would start the 4 hour walk back to the bus. The walk was stunning, going up through the bush to look out over all the beaches, bays and mountains, and then walking along the coastline stopping at a few of the bays on the way to take in the scenery and read my book. Arrived back to Marahau in time for the bus which turned out to be 2 hours late (luckily there was a cafe there!)

Tomorrow we start making our way down the west coast, the rainy bit apparently, but also the most beautiful. Can't believe thats possible given what i've seen so far but looking forward to the lakes, glaciers, fjords and rolling hills...