So after a days rest from the snow boarding we deaprted for Wellington, where we would be getting the ferry over to the South Island. We arrived in the afternoon but the next available ferry was not until 3am!!! We wasted some time in Wellington by going up to the Mount Victoria lookout point which had views over the city and sea. Pretty windy up here as was Wellington in general and certainly didnt inspire me for a comfortable journey across to the south. Went to cinema in Wellington in the evening to pass a bit more time before having a couple hours kip in the car prior to boarding the ferry. On board watched a couple films and then 3 hours later we were in Picton on the south island. From here we drove all the way down the south island to Queenstown (the idea being to get to furthest point south in one hit then slowly work way back up stopping off at places on way north). We stopped at Christchurch on way which was nice enough looking but not a lot going on here to be honest................ Drive ended up taking all day and once at Queenstown just crashed out for the night!!!!

Following morning we drove out to Milford Sound a few hours away. Stunning views on the way and was quite a nice day but as soon as we got down to Milford Sounds the heavens opened and it proceeded to pour down for rest of afternoon. We were going to take a boat trip whilst here to get the full views of Milford Sound, however given the visability outside the window was limited we didn't see the point as not a lot would be viewed out on a boat in these conditions!!! Had still been worthwhile heading down here mind you for the sheer views and scenary that were on offer. Clearly the South Island is far more mountanious and open then that of the North. As we departed to head back to Queenstown the engine appeared to be overheating as temp was way high and there was steam coming out the bonnet!!! (Always an indication of a problem!!). We had a look and could see that the radiator was leaking water. We rang the hire company who sent out a pick up truck for us. Luckily there was a lodge down here (the only one!!) so we hung about here awaiting the truck. Friendly local from Te Anau (nearest town, about an hour and half away) turned up and took us back to Te Anau. We had to spend the night here with only the clothes we stood in (nothing new for me anyway!!!), and await the verdict from the mechanic in the morning since it was too late now and garage shut. Next morning we were told radiator had huge hole in it and new one was required!! Hopefully be there this afternoon..... After doing a walk around the local lake for a few hours we headed back to the garage, still no radiator arrived!! Couple hours later and thankfully it was there and fitted. We eventually left back to Queenstown at about 5pm and no further problems were encountered. To think we bought an old heap in OZ and had no problems for the entire east coast, a brand new hire car in NZ and we get stuck for a day!!! TYPICAL!

The following morning we did the Shotover Jet which was a jet boat ride along the Shotover River (kind of in the name hey!!!). Really good fun with lots of 360o spins and flying up river whilst practically skimming the cliff faces and rocks as you go!! Fantastic fun. That afternoon Andy was booked onto do a bungee jump on the infamous Nevis Bungee, only 132m so didn't see the point since I had already done one from 164m!!!! Yeah right, thats what i was telling everyone anyway, never mind the fact I was sweating so much thinking about doing it that even my s*** was scared!!! After he had put himself through the ordeal of the bungee we were packed and ready to head off. Only a brief sighting of Queenstown really, but then losing a day down at Milford Sound didn't help matters!! Next stop would be Wanaka, assuming the car makes it!!!!