After doing the caving for some reason I was talked into going white water rafting in Rotorua. I was so scared. We arrived at the centre and was given our wetsuits, helmets and life jackets. We were having our safety briefing and after being told that the likelyhood of us falling out or the boat capsizing was about 60-70% I started to really poo my pants. Then they told me that it was a grade 5 river which is the highest you can raft in and the waterfall we were going down was 7m high. OMG I must be mad. I was going to hold on for dear life!!! We did the first small waterfall and that was too bad, the second was the big one. The guide shouted get down, we sat in the raft holding onto the outside and a strap in the middle...I wasn't leaving that boat. For 1 minute I thought I was drowning, we went completely under the water, the force of the water smashed my head back and then I felt a sharp pain in my left hand. We finally came up for air in one piece. I had water in my ears, up my nose and my hand really hurt, it was already turning blue. One of the ores smashed against it in the fall. I am glad I did it but never again!!!!We left the rafting to head for the skydiving centre. No one could talk me into this one. Had an early night as we leave for Tongario National Park at 6am in the morning.

30th Oct - Tongariro National Park - I didn't sign up for the crossing. It is suppose to be the best trek but my body was completely battered and I needed a rest. I spent the day doing my washing and relaxing in the hot tubs at the hostel. My body definately needed this. We watched NZ v Australia in the bar at night, it was a great atmosphere even though we were in the middle of nowhere. They love their rugby

31st Oct - Halloween in Wellington - We didn't arrive until late afternoon after stopping off at few places on the way. We went to the museum but got bored after an hour so went to get ready for the halloween party at the hostel bar. We played table football and pool until the early hours. Did my usual and had to go and find a burger place before I went to bed. Didn't get chance to see much of Wellington which was a shame. Sailing over to South Island tomorrow

1st Nov - South Island - The boat took just over 3hours, we picked up a new bus as the old one didn't have a handbrake that worked. Went wine tasting in Marlborough and then headed for Abel Tasman National Park. I booked to go Kayaking around the islands instead of horse riding, OMG I must be becoming a water baby. We Kayaked for around 5 hours but spent most of the time on a secluded beach sunbathing. The weather was amazing. We got back early so we could have a long hot shower before the other arrived and we had to join a cue. Sat around the fire having a bbq and drinks. Went back to the dorm and Erwin let a dog in the room, it was so funny it was running around the beds..I guess you had to be there. We were staying at Old Macdonalds farm which was fun but basic.

2nd Nov - Barrytown - OMG all I can say is what happens in Barrytown, stays in Barrytown. I will post the photos and you can see for yourself. We had a gangsta & b****es party. See if you can recognise me, my mum and sister couldn't

3rd Nov - Franz Joseph - We have 2 days in Franz Joseph which is great as it is hard work moving every day. I booked in for the Helihike on the glacier, but it all depends on the weather if it goes ahead. The weather was too bad for me to go so I spent the day doing my washing, chilling out, sleeping whilst the other did an 8hour hike up the glacier...hence why I chose the helicopter. Luckily another bus was leaving later the next day and said we could join them and book in for the next day when the weather was suppose to be better. Weather was okay and it was amazing. Have a look at the photos when I load them, the helicopter ride was awesome but hiking the glacier was something else. It kept rumbling like an avalanche was going to start which was really scary but the scenery again was out of this world. New Zealand is the most stunning place I have been to. I can understand why people fall in love with it. We caught up with the bus in Makarora where we had a Karaoke competition. We didn't win.

I think I am out with my dates. You loose all track of what day and date it is when you are travelling. I am in the lovely Queenstown now, been horse riding and have 4 days here which is great. Going further south on the 11th and heading to Christchurch for the 15th for my flight to Aus on the 17th. Have loved New Zealand and would recommend it to anyone. miss you xxx