What a week... we've hiked a glacier, been in a helicopter and I've jumped out of a plane at 12000 feet. Not bad for a few days work?!

First stop was Christchurch, for a night out with a friend we met in Thailand. Next day we picked up our campervan - which is actually really a 7 seater car with the back seats taken out... our home for the next 2 weeks. We headed south to Mount Cook and some beautiful blue lakes (more blue than normal lakes - something to do with some kind of mineral in them!). I know everyone says it, but the scenery here really is unbelievable. Every corner you turn is rewarded with amazing views.... we will try and get photos up as soon as we can.

That night we camped at a free campsite near one of the lakes - it was SO spooky! We arrived to find lots of empty cabins and caravans - it was totally desrted and looked as though no one had used it in years. But, it was free so we decided to stay! We cooked our dinner on the stove that comes with the van (pasta of course!) and then into bed to watch a DVD (comes with the van). It was so dark and so quiet outside and we started freaking out about being in the middle of no where all alone.... waiting for the axe murderer to come and chop us up!! But we survived and woke up to a very cold winter morning. Our van doesn't have a heater so it is freezing in the mornings when you have to get out from under the covers!

Adrenaline junkie central, otherwise known as Queenstown was our next stop. We decided to treat ourselves to a proper campsite, with showers, a kitchen and lots of other people. Queenstown has a spectacular setting, we think probably the best setting for a city that we've seen so far. It is surrounded by lakes and snow capped mountains - beautiful.

We were up early the next morning as I was being picked up to go out to the skydive site... Dan came along to watch, but says he wouldn't jump out of a plane unless it was on fire. So off I went on my own, into the plane to climb up to 12000 feet. The plane journey was breathtaking - over the lake and the mountains as we climbed high into the sky. I was of course attached to an instructor, but when the doors of the plane opened and he hung me over the edge to get ready to jump it was terrifying!! And after just seocnds we were tumbling out of the plane hurtling towards the ground. After 45 seconds of free fall down to 4000 feet the parachute opened... and then a chance to relax and take in the scenery. I can't actually believe that I did it - I have always wanted to do it, but I never thought I would have the guts to actually jump - but you don't have a choice as you are attached to the instructor and when he goes you go! I jumped with a cameraman so there's a very amusing DVD that I will try and get up onto the blog. The look on my face as we're about to jump is priceless!!!

We spent the afternoon luging in Queenstown and then the next day headed to Milford Sound for a scenic and relaxing cruise. From there we have been heading up the West Coast.

Yesterday, we had an amazing day hiking a glacier! We took a helicopter to get up onto the glacier - what a trip! We climbed in and out of ice caves and had the chance to go swimming in a natural pool - surprisingly we turned that offer down, although one guy in our group did get in... crazy!!

Today we're heading up to the North of the South Island to visit some national parks and of couse the famous Marlborough Sounds and local wineries. We have a week left - if it's anything like our first week then it will be a great experience!

Take care, love Shu and Dan xx