We managed to get ourselves onto a ferry for Tuesday (10th) at 1pm from Wellington into Picton (South Island). It took 4 hours so we sat and watched a film (cars) and sat up on deck for a while admiring the views (very windy though). When we arrived in Picton, we drove to Nelson where we stayed the night. It was a lovely seaside town and so we had a browse around on Wednesday before it was time to head off again.

Next stop, Kaikoura. Just before we got there, we pulled over for a break and had luckily stopped along side a seal colony. We stood and watched them for a while. There were loads of them on the rocks. Unfortunately we couldn't get a bed at the hostel we had picked out so we ventured further into town and found another one that reminded us of a haunted house. After checking in, we had a wander around and then decided we should try the local delicasy of fish and chips. Very nice and cheap too. That evening, we went across to the bar over the road and decided to enter the pub quiz. After the first round, we knew we had no chance of winning. The 'Kent Wine-o's' got 1 out of 10 in geography but 5 out of 10 in science. How did that happen?? It was the lowest score in the first round but we didn't mind as it meant we got a free shot (they did point us out to the whole pub though - very embarrasing).

We were up and at the whale centre for 9.30am the following morning (Thursday), only to be told it had been cancelled due to bad weather. They booked us onto the later boat but that was also cancelled that day. Instead of wasting the day, we decided to go on a bike ride. Its a brilliant way to view the scenery but the seats didn't do anything for our bums. After that, we went and sat on the beach with our books. It was quite warm with the sun out and the scenery was stunning (there was snow on the mountains).

That evening, we took advantage of the TV lounge and watched some movies before going to bed as we had booked ourselves onto the 7.15am whale watch. Unfortunately, the trip was also cancelled the following day, so we have not yet got to see the whales. We had to move on though as our accommodation was already booked for the next stop, Hanmer Springs.

Luckily, the journey was just over an hour so we could spend the afternoon doing stuff. When we checked into our hostel, we decided to go to the Hamner Springs Thermal Pools. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the outside thermal pools which had various minerals in them and were approx 36-37 degrees. We also went into the Sulphur pools that were 41 degrees, very hot but very smelly. It was lovely while you were in them but freezing when you get out. The hostel we stayed in was very snug and homely so that night, we got our blankets, with the fire behind us and watched some movies. It was like a girls night in as there was about 6 of us and we had a whole sofa each.

On Saturday morning, we had a wander around the town and as they sold fudge everywhere, we had to try it. It was very yummy. We then headed off to Greymouth on the West Coast. As we arrived, we couldn't believe how dead it was. There are plenty of shops but nothing is open on a Saturday!! After checking in, the only thing that was open was the supermarket so we decided to do our shop. Last night, we sat in the hostel bar and played pool until they closed just before 11pm (they only opened at 8pm). Theres not even many people in the hostel and this is meant to be the biggest town on the West Coast (its like a ghost town).

As everything is still closed on a Sunday, we decided to take a drive up to Punakaiki where the pancake rocks and blowing holes are. The rocks are all weird shapes and do actually remind you of pancakes stacked on top of eachother. Every so often, water blows up from between them. As we didn't want to go straight back to Greymouth, we carried on up the coast to Cape Foulwind where there is another colony of seals. We stood and watched the pups playing and the older ones sunbathing. As we were so close to Westport, we thought we might as well take a look. We needn't of bothered as that was just like Greymouth on a Sunday, all shut.

Tomorrow, we are out of here and heading to the Glaciers so there should hopefully be more to do there. The one good thing is we have both managed to finish our books.