On our last evening in the South Island we walked from our campsite up to waterfalls and by the time we came back at around 10pm the glow worms were out, nestling in the ferns attached to the rocks. It was the first time we had seen glow worms and it was a magical experience. So pretty.

This morning we were up bright and early to head down to the docks ready to board the Interislander ferry in good time for our three hour crossing. Fortunately the weather was fine and bright and the sea calm so we were able to spend most of our time on deck making the most of the wonderful scenery - locals had told us that this was the prettiest ferry ride in the world and we can see why, photographs just don't do it justice.

We have really noticed the drop in fuel prices. We have paid up to 2 nzd per litre in the past and it is now down to 1.67 nzd at some stations. This coupled with the strong exchange rate has been very beneficial for us.

On leaving the ferry we headed straight for Lake Taupo, about 350k from Wellington. The difference between North and South islands was immediately apparent, towns are so much larger in the North and there is far more traffic, although roads are nothing like as busy as the UK. We are told that three million people live in the north out of a total population of four million which explains things.

We reached the bottom of the lake by 6.00pm and found a campsite for the night. Tomorrow we are meeting up with friends at Taupo and are very much looking forward to seeing familiar faces.

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