Friday 22 September 2006 - Wellington to Picton Early morning crossing over to the South Island. Boarded the InterIslander, had been warned how bad the crossing would be! Turned out it wasn't too bad. Lunch in Picton before heading to Nelson.

Tuesday 19 September 2006 - Napier to Wellington Made our way to Wellington (Did you know?.. the most Southern Capital City in the World!). Went via Hastings (saw the clock tower), Palmerston North for lunch, then Masterson. (for Ellie's people!) Settled into our hostel, free manicure with a martini ($9) evening in the bar next door! Ellie obliged! Such a backpacker! Wednesday 20 September 2006 - Wellington City Made it out into Windy...

Monday 18 September 2006 - Taupo to Napier Short drive to Napier, pretty little seaside town on the East side. Had the afternoon to spare, Sel and Beth went to the Aquarium while we had a walk around the town then up to Bluff Hill Lookout! Looked down at Napier. Laughed our way through the Skydive dvd and Zorbing pictures - they'll never get old!

Saturday 16 September 2006 - Taupo (Skydive!) Spent the morning willing the clouds to disappear as it was Skydive day! Had booked for 1pm but were not able to go due to the clouds! Back again for 2pm, no such luck, one more attempt for 3pm! Got the go-ahead, they were coming for us! They collected us and drove us to the Skydive centre. Spent the journey signing our lives away (again!)... All very nervous but so excited! Sat down to watch a...

Friday 15 September 2006 - Rotorua to Taupo Headed towards Taupo stopping at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. It stank! Got a 30 minute walk in seeing lots of Craters and the Champagne pool before the Lady Knox Geyser erupted at 10.15am (Helped along with some salt!). You could watch it for an hour but we managed 15 minutes! Then went on a few more walks, which were less smelly! The scenery was beautiful, lots of lovely colours and so amazing that...