If you remember from last time, we were driving around the South Island like madmen in a tiny camper whilst seeing how beardy Antony could get before flying to Auckland.

Our daily routine went something like this: get up at 8am, put the bed away and eat some breakfast, drive until lunchtime, look at something pretty as we are eating a sandwich, drive another four hours to where we were going to park for the night, cram in a walk or some activity, make dinner and pass out reading or watching a movie on the laptop. This sounds pretty crazy (and it was) but the driving was a big part of the site seeing.I won't bore you with more descriptions of beautiful South Island scenery but instead imagine Montana, Canada, Scottish Highlands, the Alps, or somewhere similar and that gives you an idea what this place looks like - crystal clear lakes snuggled up to huge mountains that are covered by thick forests and cool rivers. Truly this is a special place though there were a few things that made it unique.

Firstly, we visited two huge glaciers (Fox and Franz Josef) which were very impressive.Secondly, we stopped at the Abel Tasman National Park where we walked along a coastal path which led to secluded beaches.Thirdly, we biked around the Marlborough region which is covered with wineries making some of the best New World wines in the world.Fourthly, we went swimming with seals in Kaikoura and watched them show off their skills at close proximity.These things aren't readily found in the other locations I listed above which like I said makes this place like no other.

But for me, what has made this part of the trip especially memorable is the hilariously small campervan that we hired.I feel I need to explain myself, because many of you may be wondering why we paid good money for this, but a campervan holiday reminds me of traveling in my grandparent's motor home when I was a kid.Of course my grandparent's RV was so big it would have towed our little camper behind it - but it was the concept that interested me. Despite its size, the camper did afford us extraordinary freedom to stop, sleep, and eat whenever we wanted.We also got used to the size and as the days went on found ways to make it more comfortable (like sleeping head to toe).In the end, we both had a good laugh but swore that the next time we booked a campervan we would first make sure that Antony could at least stand up straight inside!

Arriving in Christchurch we couldn't believe that we had seen and done so much but were pleased that we had made the most of our time. New Zealand is a wonderful place but it does feel very far away so it's unlikely that we will be back anytime soon! Now we are on to Auckland to stay with some friends before touring around the North Island (at a more leisurely pace!).

Until next time,

Rachelle & Antony