13th
Got up and rang the skydiving company, found out that it was all on and got packed and on the bus off to go and check it out. When we got there we had to wait around for a while and then we all got into these jumpsuits and huge harnesses. Then we got in a little propeler plane and flew up to 12,000ft. with a guy strapped to my back. Then the door opened and WOW! that view is like nothing ive ever seen just incredible the weather was clear and crisp and it was just stunning. The the guy on my back sits on the edge of the plane with me dangling over the front. One, two, three and off i go. Ive never had such a rush absolutely stunning falling through the air with the ground hurtleing towards you. It was incredible. After a good free fall the chute opens and you feel like you fly upwards. My guy let me hold onto the chute and steer it that was awsome because you can spin round and round. I paid extra and had a camera guy jump with me and film everyting so ive now got this awsome DVD and some pictures no film.
After the skydive we headed onto River Valley where there is the highest graded comercially rafter rapid. A grade 5! in river valley the hostel was idilic right deep down in a gorge with waterfalls and big log cabins. On the way we stopped off at another waterfall which was used in LOTR as the set for where smeegol murders his brother. That night i went to bed well early because i was just absolutely knackerd!
14th
Got up to do the whitewater rafting. Got all kitted up and had a small amount of training then it was onto the river and away we went. our raft group wasnt so successful and once we tipped the boat and antoher we got stuck against a huge rock. It was a real adrenilin rush and i did an 8m cliff jump halfway down the rapids. The whole thing was exhuasting. After the rafting we had a big travelday ahead of us driving to wellington we stopped at a few small towns along the way. We stayed at Base Backpackers hostel which was very similar to ACB in Auckland. Played pool that evening and i won a beer buy beating our driver.
15th
Had a good long lie in today which was a nice change. We then all wanderd around wellington and went to the Te Papa mueseum which was great and free! The rest of the day we did a bit of shopping and cooked our own dinner. That night we went to the bar and all got fairly hammerd. Early start tommrow though!
16th
Had to get up at 7 today. I was one of the last people to get on the bus. We then took a ferry over to the south island and onto Nelson. Stopping for some amazing pies and chips on the way. In Nelson we stayed at a loverly hostel called the Prince Albert. We had a few days in Nelson so we all decided to get off the bus for a bit and do a road trip up into the National park, so we arranged hiring a car and everything. That night had a big roast dinner and a wine tasting which was tasty.
17th
We hired two big people carriers and got all our stuff in them and drove to the local supermarket where we stocked up on supplies. Then headed off to the national Park. Was a really windy drive though the hills with huge drops on either side. We stayed at a little freindly hostel called golden bay backpackers. We all went to the beach in the rain (very british) and then tracked down an organic pub that sold home made beer and cider and the nicest blue shelled muscles you will ever taste. We all stayed in the hostel that night and played drinking games till late.
18th
Drove though national park on the way back to Nelson and went for a small walk. The sun had come out at last. We stopped off for lunch in a little town on the way back and i had the biggest burger i have ever seen. That evening we booked back into the same hostel and i had bangers and mash for supper. Its back on the Kiwi bus tommrow. With a different driver.
19th
Up at 7 to get on the bus with a new driver called Lou. Dont think ive metioned our old driver he was a great guy called Hookie. very unPC. We drove down to golden bay where the weather was sunny and we chilled out on the beach and went for a walk seeing the stunning views out into the sea. Matt again managed to injure himself when he sliced his finger when trying to be Ray Mears. After that it was onto West Port staying at Bazils hostel. Where we clebrated Alans 23rd birthday . We all went out into what must have been one of the quietest towns ive ever been in it was scary. The fish and chips there were really good and cheap though. Jet boating tommrow so that should be awsome.
20th
Another early start and then onto another bus out to the river and jetboating with this nutter called Doc. The jet boat we had was running on 2 6.2litre chevvy engines giving out 820bhp to the boat. It was awsome saw some amazing sights and flew down the river at 60mph doing jet spins and surfing rapids. Then it was down to Lake mahinapua stopping off at the pancake rocks for lunch. Arrived at the hostel in the afternoon. The hostel is run by an 81 year old guy called Les who was an absolute legend. He also owns the pub which is coverd wall to wall with all the Kiwi bus poloirds from every group that has visited. That evening it was fancy dress Goths, Chavs and Superheros. I went as a goth with all the make up. I also dyed my hair pink but it washes out so dont worry mum. Had a great night everyone got into th swing of things and we all were there till closing time.
Right thats 2hours of typing so im ready to call it a night as its midnight and im doing a glacier walk tomorrow. Hope everyone is well at home and im still trying to upload some photos (ive got some great ones)
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