Headed down the west coast - spectacular scenery - mountains, rivers with crystal clear water, valleys,low-lying clouds etc on the way to Lake Mahinapua. Went on a nice walk cliff-top walk at Cape Foulwind-v similar to Newquay scenery -except one section of the rocks was home to a fur seal colony - loads of them!!! Stopped at Pancake Rocks and the Blow Holes at Punakaiki for lunch. Arrived mid-afternoon in Lake Mahinapua - v remote place - just our hostel ...

One of the best days so far in NZ definitely. Half day sea-kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park after some beach games -great weather so slapped the lotion on - yes the white t-shirt did come off Chris!!! Awesome kayak trip saw great beaches, coastline, houses, caves and split apple rock - I managed to capsize the kayak-spun it over completely as I couldn't hold onto the foot stearing pedals any more - only the 4th capsize of the season apparently!!! Coo...

Most of our bus left Nelson today - but we decided to spend an extra day in Nelson - to have a lie in and get some shopping, washing and interneting done. Went for an awesome run by the river - great views and some wicked houses - impressed by my fitness levels after loads of drinking and late nights!!! Had a fairly chilled one at the hostel-playing cards and a few drinks - early 7am bus 2m to Westport (one of the more remote places on the tour).

Left Kaikora early - heading north to drop some people off at Picton ferry terminal for the north island. Picked up another lot of people who were doing the south island like us. Stopped off at a nice mussel resturant for lunch. Walked up a hill to the 'centre of NZ' quite steep but awesome views at the top. Roast dinner in hostel - more of a hotel this one - Prince Albert Hotel - nice rooms and a cool bar!! Played some drinking games in the bar before hi...

Early start - boarded the Kiwi Experience bus at 8 am after 4 good days in Christchurch. Driving up the east coast to Kaikora (translated as 'to eat crayfish'. Absolutely amazing views and scenery - one vantage point where we stopped had a view for miles of beack, mountains, rivers and clouds - v impressive!!! Went dolphin swimming in the afternoon - awesome!!! Went on a boat with 15 others half an hr out to sea then jumped in four times to swim with them ...