Kiwi Experience: The South Island

Although I had already been to the south island with my parents, I was excited to go again with the Kiwi bus. It’s important that you like your bus group very much on the south island because you are stuck with them from Nelson all the way to Queenstown. Unlike the north island, people don’t do as much hoping off on the west coast because the towns are so small you can cover each stop in one full day. I am happy to report that I loved everyone on my bus. Like with the north island, I’m going to let the pictures (and lengthy captions) do the talking…

Our first stop on the south island was in Nelson. This is Laura, Beth, and I before going for a ride on New Zealand's fastest jet boat!

The girls and I with our awesome Kiwi driver, Duncan.

The water was freezing, but it was definitely worth this shot!

Greymouth Beach

Pancake Rocks

Every Kiwi bus stops in Lake Mahinapua, where we have a theme party. Our driver Duncan picked the "make a costume out of a garbage bag" theme... a little on the lame side if you ask me, but everyone made the most of it. Beth, Laura, and I went as Greek goddesses.

Everyone from my bus all dressed up!

Getting chummy with Les, the owner of the Mahinapua Hotel.

About to climb the Franz Josef glacier.

Without a doubt, the most difficult climb of the day (and we weren't even on the glacier yet).

Our guide was really great and let each one of us take a picture with his ice pick.

Laura, Beth and I took the Gondola up to the top of Queenstown.

Getting suited up for the Nevis Bungy... can you see the fear in my eyes?

3... 2... 1... BUNGY!

At 134 meters (440 feet) the Nevis is the third highest bungy jump in the world.

That little dark spot in the middle of the baby blue sky? That's me... no big deal.

We all survived!

Out for one last night in Queenstown with Laura and Beth.

I met some of the most wonderful people and did the most amazing things on this trip. I will never forget all the incredibly experiences!