Trekking: The hikes across New Zealand plus some kayaking

After arriving in the south island, we decided that we were in paradise. We started with the Queen Charlotte Trek. We left right out of the port and headed on a boat to the 3 day trek. We chose only to do one day of it (because our trip was shorter-- and I giggle as I say this because everyone else was there for at least a year doing Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia).

The trek took about 5-6 hours (can't remember anymore), and it was beautiful despite the fact that it was overcast.

After Picton, we headed toward Nelson (to a sister hostel with more chocolate pudding -- more like bread pudding -- with ice cream). We met two nice sisters from the UK, a Canadian lass, and a German girl named Janna who ended up joining us for part of the trip). In Nelson, we mostly hung out the first day, but on the second, we were picked up for kayaking with Dazza (Daryl). He was about 40 years old, blond hair, and he was great fun to have as a guide for sea kayaking. He also taught us some choice slang phrases...

Even though it rained early on, it was GORGEOUS for the rest of the day. The last bit was to go see the split apple rock (as pictured here). Awesome. Plus, I was proud of myself for sea kayaking and steering in a tandem...

After kayaking, we left to go to Greymouth. It is a lot like it sounds despite our sunny-looking hostel.

From there, we headed to the Greenstone (Jade) capital of New Zealand (and maybe beyond) and then onto Fox Glacier. We took a shorter walk (about an hour total), and we got REALLY close to the glacier... enough to see the blue in the ice. It was really cloudy when we arrived, but it soon cleared up for us.

Then, we took a lovely walk around Lake Murchison with the reflection pool. Unfortunately, we didn't quite get the reflection because of wind, but it was beautiful nonetheless.

Then, we landed in beautiful Wanaka. I have included a photo of the side view mirror of our travels here to this great place.

So far today, we have taken a hike up 775 m high to Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain. Also took a walk through the cute down and around part of the Lake. Tonight, we go to Cinema Paradiso to see a movie with freshly baked cookies and you can either sit on sofas or in a classic car (I'm hoping for the car). Great fun. Beautiful country, but I can't wait to sleep in my own bed by now.