Woke at 8am not wanting to leave the Rainforest Retreat, would have loved another day there to just chill in Franz Josef but we couldn't leave our bus! We had such a good crowd of us, like one big family! I was in a mood as I had lost my oniel hoody but as soon as we boarded the bus the tunes were played and we were all singing along yet again! Our first stop was Lake Matheson where we went on a little hike to see the mirror reflection of the Mt Cook and the Southern Alps in the Lake. It was stunning!! We then crossed the bridge at Gates of Haast and headed up the pass to Mount aspiring National Park. The views were breathtaking, especially as we entered the Otago region and the lake district with the mountain ranges. We then passed Lake Wanaka and headed on through to Lake Hawea. We arrived at our hostel which was more like a hotel. We checked in and then headed into town in search of some surf shops, Steph obviously couldn't resist to purchase more! That evening we chilled on the lawns in front of the lake with a few drinks and the drivers went and got fish and chips for us all! Paddy sang some Irish Songs to us all, was very funny before going to bed earlyish ready for our drive through to Queenstown tomorrow where the party begins! J