From Taupo we got to River Valley. Todi, our Kiwi bus driver said that it is the place to do white water rafting. I was really excited to give it a go especially on a grade 5 river!

Our raft guide was a small tough looking man from California; he was very serious and didn't really laugh a lot so I guess that took the shine out of the experience. He later told me that a few people had died on the river so I didn't blame him for taking it so seriously. It was good, not as challenging as I thought because I didn't really break a sweat...not like the Alpine Pass in Taupo (actually still aching!!!) On the tame bit of the river we went down a little drop; it was a tiny drop compared to what we were about to navigate but somehow Sean managed to fall out hahaha it was brilliant. The first drop and Sean goes straight in. God help him!

We all got down the river safe and sound, and didn't capsize once...maybe due to our awesome paddling or because our guide was way boring, not sure which. It rained the whole time so back at the lodge we were staying at there wasn't a lot going on. A quiet night in was nice though, just chilling playing cards with a glass of wine; not too bad.

The next day we made it to Wellington; The capital of New Zealand! We got there in the evening so we just went to the cinema. The next day me and George went on the LOTR tour haha! I know it's geeky but you couldn't visit New Zealand without doing the whole Lord of the rings thing! We went to a few places where they filmed actual scenes, acted out a few scenes ourselves, visited the workshops where all the special effects and makeup took place and then to the studio where they are filming the hobbit; managed a sneak peak of a Dwarf coming from a short tea break too. It was fun, George and me just had a laugh the whole time with the role playing...I was Pippin and he was a horse haha. Back at the hostel we had dinner then got ready for a night out, the last one on North Island!

North Island done; except the east but I'll be back to do that for sure!!! Off to Kaiteriteri and the South Island.

Wellington was my last stop on the North Island before taking the ferry across to South Island. Thanks to last night and a 4litre box of goon I did the journey not feeling too great. We got to Kaiteriteri in the afternoon and just chilled with a BBQ and some more beers. A really funny night, Scooby Doo, Sméagol, Tin tin, Snowy, Donald Duck, Bed swap, and magic no one got to sleep early!

Tomorrow I've got Sea Kayaking around Abel Tasman national park. Should be wicked if the weather stays nice!

Speak soon

Nathan.