NZ - part 2

Well, we did a skydive in Taupo and it was fantastic! Such a crazy feeling. Taupo was really nice - built up around the largest lake in NZ. From there we headed to the east coast to a place called Hastings. We stopped there for a week or so and did 3 days leaf plucking grape vines- very boring, labourious work, hence why we only did 3 days of it! Also enjoyed art deco weekend in Napier - lots of people dressed up in 30s costumes and driving vintage cars. the weather the entire time we were there was gorgeous.

Travelled onto Wellington, where we enjoyed the bussle of the capital life. Took to the town one evening and also a comedy show - the Impro Factor, which was quite amusing. Met up with dave's friend fiona from home which was very nice and took the ferry across to the lovely, small town of Picton, South island. Went on a wine tour round Blenhiem, sampling abot 7/8 wineries = about 4/5 glasses of wine over the afternoon. Found some pretty nice NZ wines.

Next stop was the abel tasman national park which we kayaked around! amazing scenery and saw some seals and penguins. From here we went to a funky hostel in Punakaiki - actually got a whole house per 8/10 people - so nice. It was so cool - a record player with many old classic albums, a quaint little kitchen and so peaceful in the "rainforest", right next to the dramatic western coast of NZ! Saw the famous pancake rocks then toured down to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. Now in Queenstown. Went jet boating yesterday which was fun but today the weathers turned nasty and is pouring with rain!