Marlborough Sounds: Hike Chick

OK, I said I'd be cool surf chick down-under. I'm the total opposite. Yup, I now have the hiking boots and am a hike chick (if such a thing exists). I am sat in a hostel in Malborough Sounds, more physically tired than I've been in a long time. Today we hiked 23km! Oh yes. That's nearly 15 miles (apparently??) Yesterday we did at least 15km. Then stayed in a gorgeous hostel looking out to the Sounds. Bliss. Today was tough going but was rewarded by amazing views...

Before coming here we were in Nelson, a lovely little town. We'll probably be back there tomorrow and will no doubt chill for a bit before heading further south towards the glaciers and some more hiking (now that we know that our new boots don't give us blisters we're going to tackle a 3-day and then a 4-day hike where you have to carry all your gear. Wowzers!) Oh yes, insects here love me. Today I was stung by a wasp. Fantastic. Cheers NZ. Must say a big thank you to our NZ family (Hayley, Meg and Grace) before I sign off - you girls are fantastic and we already miss you. Thanks again for being so fab. X