We woke up today, like any other day, but it wasn't exactly like any other day, it was Christmas day and we were in Sydney, Australia! It was a very strange feeling, but a good one, because this year we were off to Bondi beach, to enjoy our Christmas feast of cheese and tomato sandwiches, with all the trimmings, of course. The journey down to Bondi was a bit of a chore, but thanks to some very kind neighbours, we got a lift to the train station. It was immedi...

At 8.15am we, rather hesitantly, made our way to the meeting place to take on the challenge of canyoning. The day started in much the same way as did the white water rafting, with Ronnie almost wrestling me into a wetsuit, only this time we had more layers to put on. There was the wetsuit itself, then a heavy wetsuit jacket, then a 'nappy', which was a somewhat aptly named piece of kit, bright yellow in colour, that protected the rear end. Then there was the ...

We arrived in Queenstown after a long four hour bus trek from Lake Tekapo and were so pleased to arrive in a town surrounded by beautiful views, even though it was cloudy, it was beautiful. We immediately felt at home as the hussle and bussle was reminiscent of any busy UK town, but it was different, not only were the views stunning, but there seemed to be a real buzz to the place, a bit like the buzz in London. However, for Ronnie and I that buzz soon vanishe...

We arrived in Kiakoura last Friday after a two and a half hour ferry journey from the North Island, followed by a two and a half hour bus journey from Picton. It was a chore of a journey, so when we finally arrived, I instantly loved my 'accidental' choice of town and very over indulgent choice of motel. Clearly planning last minute when I was about to lose the last of the free internet was a good thing, given the beauty of our new surroundings. However, giv...

One thing that has struck us both so early on in our journey has been the innovative culinary skills of other backpackers. Each evening we prepare and eat our meal surrounded by a kitchen full of young adults approximately half our age, totally absorbed in their own meal preparations. The hostel that we currently reside has three hobs, three sinks, ample worktops and an oven. Each night approximately fifteen people beaver away creating their evening meal conc...