Hi Everyone

I am now in Queenstown!!! I have only be here for about an hour, but I thought I would update you regarding what I have been up to over the last couple of days.

On 9th September, I began my 15 day tour round New Zealand. The people on tour come from England, Canada, Germany, Thialand, Austrialia, Germany, Holland and Mexico - so its quite an interesting crowd. We are all similar ages and they are all really nice.

We initally stopped a very small town called Gerladine for morning tea. However are main place of interest was Lake Tekapo. The scenery there was stunning. We only stayed there for about 1 hours, but enough to see the lake and enjoy the amazing views of the lake and surrounding snow capped mountains.

From there we headed towards Mount Cook (Aoraki Mount Cook National Park). Again this was also so amazing and was surrounded with snow capped mountains. Here I went for 45 minute walk to Kea Point. I was hoping this point would be more breath taking than it was, however still very lovely. It was also really hot walking in the sun.

Our accommadation for the evening was in a Lodge near Lake Ohau. This lodge was ok, but the views were amazing. You could watch the sun go down over the lodge and surrounding mountains, but the weather was very cold so became a problem sitting outside. We had home made dinner which was nice, (fav bit was the chocolate brownies).

We also had to start thinking about what we wanted to do in Queenstown. I have decided to do Hand gliding as it looks really good. I do this on Wednesday (tomorrow). Not feeling nervous yet, but no doubt tomorrow I will be wetting myself.

Yesterday, we had a really long day travelling to Millford sound, However on the way drove passed many lakes and amazing scenery and views. I can definatley see why Lord in the Rings was filmed here.

We arrived at Millford Sound around 4pm as we were going on a cruise overnight. We had been upgraded to a 4* boat, so the rooms and food was lovely. Whilst on the boat we went passed many beautiful waterfalls and scenery. We then had the choice of going on a tender craft or Kayaka. I decided tender craft. On this we had a wildlife tour and I saw a Fialand Crest Penguin (which the 2nd rarest in the world) - it was so cute.

Today, we headed back to Queenstown after finishing the boat cruise - which continued up the sound and onto the sea. On the way back we walk around a place called The Chasm (which was waterfall and forest), whilst here I also saw a Kia (which is a New Zealand Parrot). We then headed to the Mirror Lakes. We were luckly as the weather was perfect. The lake was alot smaller than I thought, but still really beautiful. Whilst here I had to wee in a bush (as there was no toilets) and had another hour to go before we would reach some. This was a bit embarassing, but when you have to go...

We had lunch in a place called Te Anau, which was today and yesterday. This is a small town next to a lake, which again was lovely, but very quiet (but there do amazing steak pies!).

So that takes me up to now, being in Queenstown. Its a lot smaller than I thought but looks a really cool place. We are going to an ice bar tonight so that should be fun (although its only for 30mins as we are getting special rate). Then tomorrow I will be flying!!!

Thanks you all that have left messages for me, its great to know that people are reading this and share my adventure.

Lots of love

Helen