Ok Ok , so I have been really rubbish with my blog recently. But I will now update you all on whats been going on in Nicky world since Christmas! So.. a few days after the sky dive, ali, alice and I headed for Nelson. Ella left us on the 29th of December. Really weird without her, the four of us have become very close and we feel a bit like we have lost an arm.. Loved Nelson though, it was a nice place, not too big, although the beach was quite far out, so we didnt actually go there. Although we did go to the campsite near there where Ali's brother and his girlfriend were staying for a few days over New Year. Really great to spend New years eve with them. We had a brilliant night out, and was very strange being in 2009 before you lot!

So.. since Nelson I have been to Westport, Lake Manupuna, Franz Josef, Lake Wanaka and am now in Queenstowns. They like their lakes here, think have seen almost a 102 in fact! Westport was pretty boring, didn't do much at all! But went to some beautiful scenery on the way, probably some more lakes. Lake Manupuna was interesting, we stayed in a hostel called the poo pub which was the only place for miles. There was the most amazing beach near by though, it was the most spectacular beach I have probably seen, so untouched and empty. The hostel we stayed in was very unique.. The owner was about 80 i think and a bit like a crazy father christmas. The bar had hundred and hundreds of hats all over the ceiling. Our rooms were slightly like what I imagine a prison cell would be like though.. Just like sleeping in a tin can. Think I may be exaggerating slightly. Anyway, we only spent a night in both these places and went on to Franz Josef, where we stayed for two nights. It rained so much there that I felt like i was in the UK again. Ali and I did a hike up the glacier, 6 hours of walking in crampons. It was an amazing experience an I am so pleased I did it. But it was hell!!! It rained the whole time, we were completly soaked through and walking on ice, so you can imagine how cold it was. Eating lunch on the ice in the rain was not particularly fun either. I was definately pleased to get back to the hostel anyway! The hostel was pretty cool in Franz Josef, there was a hot pool and a nice bar/restaurant. So.. when we left, it was still raining, (apparently rains 2 out of 3 days there, why people live there I have no idea) luckliy as we drove south it cleared up and by the time we arrive in Lake Wanaka it was boiling hot again. It was Alice's birthday, but she wanted to celebrate it properly in Queenstown, but we did go to a fantastic retro cinema. The seating was all really comfy sofas and chairs, there was even a car you could sit in. There was an interval in the film ,where we got wine and warm cookies! Was so great, wish there was somewhere like that in Ballinger... Was also quite cheap, which is always a bonus.

So, I am now in Queenstown, we arrived here yesteray after leaving Wanaka. Stopped at many lakes, mountains, waterfalls ect.. on the way. When we finally got here we went for a wonder around the town, which I love. Its not that big, but full of awesome shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are about 200 activites to do here. Hoping to get a bungy jump in at some point. Last night, we went for a lovely meal for Alice's birthday followed by drinks with everyone off the bus. We went to the world bar where they sell cocktails in teapots. But strange.. Anyway, got three more nights here before we go to Christchurch for two nights before flying to Melbourne. Can't believe New Zeland is almost over all ready. Definatly will be sad to leave. Miss you all loads and hope everyone is well xxxx