My final stop in New Zealand was Christchurch so took the bus across from Queenstown. Went through some stunningly scenic places with beautiful turquoise lakes, ice capped mountains and a partial view of Mount Cook (from a distance). Christchurch is lovely with loads of parks and gardens in the city. It has a very English feel to it (without the crowds) with many of the areas and streets named after English towns and cities. I was on a bit of a wind down afte...

Got to Queenstown which is known as the party / adventure capital of New Zealand. Its a really nice town on lake Wakatipu. Its a really beautiful area and as were have just missed the skiing season and we are not into the summer season the town is pretty quiet, which is great for us. Had a day trip out to Milford Sound (one of the fiords). It is apparently the number one destination in NZ but we were left really disappointed. The weather was rubbish...cloud cov...

Travelled down the West coast of South Island through Greymouth (very forgettable) through to the Glaciers. Stayed at Franz Joseph which is one of only three areas in the world where glaciers meet rain forest. Had a fantastic 8 hour trek of the Glacier. We got decked out in ice boots and waterproofs and then it was off to the huge river of ice. It was a real experience, we were climbing up and down sheer faces of ice about 30 metres high. The guide would cut...

Stayed in Nelson which is over towards the Abel Tasman National Park. I really liked Nelso, it does not get much press but as soon as I arrived a knew I would like it. Its a pretty small town with not a huge amount going on but there is a port and mountains, loads of small shops and everyone appears to be happy and full of life. On arriving I was just planning what to do as an 'independent traveller' when I met up with the group from the Magic bus again. I ...

Took the ferry from Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island. It started off as a beautiful sunny afternoon with great scenery, but during the 3 hour crossing the weather turned so that by the end the waves were crashing over the boat and you could not see more than a few yards in front of you. Arrived in the sleepy village of Picton which really is only there as a port between North and South Islands. Not much to do in the town but I heade...