Hi all...

So I made it to NZ and was very brave on the plane! Flew into Auckland with an Irish couple who I met in Chile and who subsequently led me astray (Got back to the hostel 10 minutes before my Magic Bus left on Monday at 8 AM...Whoops).

Wandered around Auckland for a couple of days and started my trip on the Magic Bus on Monday morning. I'm ashamed to say that I haven't actually been sober since!! The people on the bus are mad, a great mix from England, Ireland, Oz, Europe who certainly enjoy a good time!

It hasn't all been boozing though...Oh no. Our first stop was Rotorua, we went to Hobbiton (Home of Lord of the Rings!), luging (Basically flying down a hill on a sledge with wheels) and to a Maori Ciltural night which was AWESOME. Saw a show with traditional singing/danciong etc and they finished it with the Haka. After that was a BIG feed cooked in a hangi/hongi (I've forgotten which one!) which was VERY nice. Obviouslt we hit the pub after the culture.

Next stop was Taupo where I wanted to skydive but the weather was crap so...you guessed it...we went drinking! Found a few Irish pubs with lovely jugs! What more could you ask for! We then hit Wellington for a night and are currently in Nelson. We came down to the South Island today on the ferry and I have to say, the scenery definitely beats crossing the Irish Sea! (Sorry mum but it's true) Will put some pics up of that next time.

The journey on the bus has been a giggle, the bus drivers stop off and show us stuff along the way. We saw bubbling mud pools on the way to Taupo as well as a geyser (innit) erupting. We've also had plenty of stops for hokey pokey ice cream (Jealous Geez????) and items for rehydration! Still have 3 weeks to go and am feeling very pleased that there's such a good bunch of people to see it all with.

We're in Nelson for tonight and heading to Greymouth tomorrow. After that it's to Queenstown and hopefully will skydive there! That's all for now, hope you're all well.

Take care

Sel

xx