Hello Everyone,

So today started a little later than usual due to only a short 3hour drive to Westport. We checked out our 8 man dorm at 10am and put our bags on the new coach which we would be on for the next five nights. Another reason the bus was leaving later was due to other people doing activities and half day trips into the national park because of the bus arriving late the evening before. To waste time we decided to chill out in the TV room and meet some of our new bus mates. A couple of guys had been staying at the same hostel as us for a few days so we recognized them and started talking. After half an hour of boring morning TV, I decided we should go play mini golf to waste so more time before the bus. Nikki didn't really feel like playing so stayed nose deep in a book.

Before we knew it 1pm came around and we were back on the road heading down the west coast towards Westport. The drive followed the coast winding in and out of the shore giving us beautiful views of the coastline. Westport was quite a large town with a supermarket so there was no need to stop on route and after 3 hours driving we pulled up at our hostel. We were put in a self-contained cabin with a kitchenette and bathroom with 8 other people. It was really nice with a TV and log burning fire.

After settling in we headed to the supermarket to get some beers for the evening ahead. Before arriving at Westport we had agreed as a bus to have a BBQ on the beach for dinner and meet and greet. Once back at the hostel we packed up the bus and headed for the beach. We drove along the estuary before reaching the mouth and open sea. It was a beautiful, sunny evening perfect for a BBQ. Our coach driver cooked the food (which made a change from us cooking) and after we had finished the drinks started flowing. After a couple of group drinking games we headed back into town where all of us were dropped off at local bar. The driver came to join us after return the bus to the hostel and we had a great evening getting to know each other. It was great night and a great way to get to know people and fellow travellers from all over the world. After a few more drinks and a couple of games of (NZ vs GB) pool, we decided to head back to hostel and get some sleep before another early start.

From Westport with Love

Ben and Nikki xx