Hi everyone!!

We have travelled so much since my last blog, I have much to tell you all. I'll try to keep it brief so you don't get bored.

From Auckland we travelled south to Taupo, where we did the Huka Falls river cruise, it was really enjoyable and very scenic. We then made our way down to Napier, which I particularly enjoyed as it is full of art deco architecture, we did a guided walk to see it all which was very interesting. We also went to Marine Land and held the smallest penguin (the little blue penguin). It only had one flipper as it was rescued from fishing line. Finally we visited Napier prison (NZ oldest prison) which has now been made into a backpacker hostel! I'm so glad we didn't stay there as people used to be executed there and they have a haunted cell, which is part of the hostel!!!!!! I just know that would have been our room!

Our last stop in the north island was Wellington, we visited Ta Papa museum which was really interesting and also took the tram to the botanical gardens, which was a nice chance to relax in the sunshine! We took the interislander ferry across to Picton in the south island, and then made our way to Nelson. This was one of our favourite places, it may have had something to do with staying in such a brilliant hostel, where we got free chocolate pudding and icecream every night!!!!!! We also found a beautiful beach while we were there and we took a trip to Abel Tasman national park. This trip was really fun. We took a boat ride for part of it, where we were followed so closely by George the dolphin that I could have honestly reached out and touched him!! We then did a walk through the hills and had to cross a massive swing bridge!! Once again it was a battle against my fear of heights!

From Nelson we drove to Kaikoura, where we did a great whale watching trip! We had three sightings of the 4th largest whale (the sperm whale). We also saw an albatros and a pod of 200 dusky dolphins! They were having a great time doing flips out of the water. Once again our hostel was really nice, they had two cats and a log fire so it was more like staying in a house.

Our final stop was Christchurch, where we have been to the Cathedral, which is quite spectacular. We also visited the art gallery and fed the ducks in the botanical gardens.We visited Orana Wildlife Park, it was a brilliant day out! Amongst may other animals they had a baby giraffe and meercat that were only weeks old!!!!! CUTE!!!

Tomorrow we are flying to Australia, where our next adventure begins.

I hope that you are all well, you are never far away from my thoughts!! I'll be in touch again soon!

Sarah xxx :)