The comedy campervan journey continued west to the the fiordland coast.  There be dragon's in them hills.... Feels a little bit like stepping onto a LOTR set but maybe that's just because of Eszter's enthusiasm for tracking down location sites.  "Ring hunts" have taken us along the bumpiest, dustiest tracks in middle earth which was fine until we realised that the seals weren't as good as they looked (and they look pretty shoddy!!) so everything is now coated in a layer of dirt.

We did a day trip to Milford Sound which went through stunning mountains, ice fields, waterfalls and icy-blue rivers. To get there we had to drive through the worst tunnel in the known Universe - Homer tunnel - Doh! indeed... Completely dark + downhill + right angle turn when you get out at the end = very scary! 

Spent the weekend in the very different environment of Doubtful Sound. Up at 5am (joy!) dressed in approx 50 layers saw the beginning of the sea kayaking adventure. After a bit of instruction and the donning of the oh-so-flattering wetsuits we set off paddling into Hall Arm then across to Elizabeth Island. I've never had to work so hard to battle against the elements.... very strong winds and big waves (both in the opposite direction to us of course!!) made it tiring but amazing. Had to sleep in a hostel due to storm warnings (ooh shame, the real bed was nice though!) and then set out for another day watching the grey seals playing in the waves. Excellent!

The road then took us to Wanaka - it all started here. We got our first official warning from the police who woke us at midnight to shout at us. Apparently a tent "no camping" sign is the same as a campervan.... oops!? The journey through the Haast pass was a bit vomit making followed by a game of hunt-the-campsite. Ended up at Gillespies Beach which, along with the driftwood, crashing waves and views over the Fox Glacier was an idyllic setting.

Best thing? Paddling with seals swimming around

Worst thing? VERY annoying sandflies. Murder spree count well over 5000 from one week alone... ha ha ha (evil cackle continues)