We crossed into the South island today. We all piled onto the ferry across from Wellington to Picton. The three hour trip ends up traveling up through some of the most gorgeous scenery that I've ever seen. The forest covered land juts up from the water in sections and looks for all the world like fake green fur draped across a giant's hand. It was only half-an-hour after I left the hostel that I realised that 'd left my sleeping bag in my room - not to worry, I thought, my roommate is also with the tour company, so we'll just ask them to put it aside for the next bus to pick up for me - if only it were so easy...

Picton itself is a small settlement with (according to my fellow travelers) the best hostel in New Zealand within its boundaries. The three of us, two passengers and Warren, our driver climbed aboard our 40 seater bus and drove straight out to the Abel Tasmin National park, stopping off briefly at Blenheim on the way. Oh, and we bullied our bus driver to take us to a winery on the way to sample the white wines that the area is famous for. Nadia and I bought a rather nice bottle of Semillon to go with her mussels and my mushroom, cheese and pasta dinner.

We stayed at a rather unimpressive farm backpackers in Marahau, right on the edge of the national park.

To tomorrow