New Zealand - Christ Chruch and Franz Joesph

Hello - we are now in New Zealand a part of the world where we both have never been before. The flight over was ok as it was in the middle of the night so we slept for most of it. The guy sat next to Amy tho couldn't wake her and was in a rush to get to the toilet.
The country is very much like home really but more spectacular!!

Day 1

We arrived in Auckland but then had to get a flight to Christchurch however two planes we were booked on got cancelled!! - so it took us a while to get here. We stayed in an old jail which was interesting with each room being a cell - so it was pretty small and COLD. That's one thing we didn't expect...... we were in flip flops and shorts and t shirts asking for a heater - it was literally -5 at night!!. Its a nice place though. As we arrived late we just got some food for the stay and hit the sack as the jet lag was kicking in.

Day 2
After a mint sleep for 12 hours we headed off into the city centre with girl we met at breakfast. Not really much there but a lovely city. It had a massive park running through it and a river.
We had to invest in a coat each as it was cold!!! That night we just had a few drinks in the hostel with a few people.

Day 3

We headed off again into town and arranged our travel for NZ. We decided to get a Magic bus ticket which takes you around both islands - its a hop on hop off kind of bus - we thought about a camper van but again the weathers a bit chilly for this plus this is a good way to meet people and see the most of the country.

Day 4

We headed to a market which was being held in the city centre. After we got on a punt along the Avon river. We looked at tickets for the rugby but the seats weren't the best and there was also a light show on at the harbour so we decided to go to that however as always we missed it as it was the night before!!!! there was only one light left on ha lol. Anyway we got some fish and chips and went home to watch the match.






Day 5

We got a tranzalpine train across the south island to Greymouth. We have never seen views like it - amazing without sounding to hippyish. You could walk outside onto a viewing deck which was nice. We only stayed in Greymouth as a stop over on our way to Franz Joesph - good job really as there wasn't much there but the hostel was one of the best.

Day 6

Can't believe that we have spent a week here already!!!. We arrived at Franz Joesph - the first time we got the Magic bus. To our surprise it stopped at places of interest so you could walk around.. We were both looking forward to Franz Joesph as we were going to climb the glacier there!! We got there in the afternoon so we walked around a little rain forest and got ready for the next day!

Day7

We climbed the Glacier. The worlds Steepest apparently. This was truly one of the best things we have done on the trip. We spent about 8 hours exploring it going through caves etc and having snowball fights with other groups. We were lucky as we got on a day it snowed so there was fresh snow everywhere. Guess what.. Amy tripped, tried to disguise it as a jog, fell and her back and slide head first down the glacier.... lol. Its one of those experiences you just can't explain....... Its a must for everyone. We got chatting to a few people in our group and had a few beers that night.

That's about it so far. Next stop is Queenstown where we plan to go skiing. Its just snowed again so the slopes are open.. Can't wait!!










Take Care
All our Love Team RA

xxxx