We're currently in Wellington, staying at YHA Wellington City, which so far has exceeded itself. Bar the room being on the small side, it's a good base, and better yet - NO BED BUGS (sigh of relief). It has been tough trying to decide how to work our way around the South island.

These were our options:
- continue using Flexi-pass & doing hostels (same as North island)
- Buy a Motorhome
- Rent a motorhome
- Rent a car

Seeing as the bed bug issue has been very trying, we were eager to rent/buy a Motorhome and in turn not have to worry about bed-bug ridden hostels. This would be an extremely efficient option as we could drive, sleep and eat in it. A lot of travellers recommend this too, but once we'd done our research into prices/pick-up locations it just wasn't working out.

Renting a car was working out way too expensive, especially as we're coming into Summer season now, so that didn't make any sense especially as it wouldn't accommodate us either.

After racking our brains and trying to figure out how to work around the problems - we came back to square one. But it's a good square one, I think. We're going to continue to use Flexi-pass, which is a coach ticket to use at your leisure around the whole island and carry on hostelling but be extra careful where we stay.

After booking our ferry and accommodation in the South island, we're set to leave the North island.

So, back to Wellington. It's way better than Auckland. Much more of a vibrant city with the usual cafe cultures, restaurants and plentiful bars. We went to Wellington Zoo today which was fun! Saw a lion, tigers, cheetahs etc, all for the first time in my life. (well, of what I remember anyway).

There are also some ace places to eat around here. We've been pigging out on desserts, pizza's, sandwiches etc.. Ketan has a sweet tooth, and in turn I guess I do too now. Dammit! Tonight we're going for a curry... I'm a little sceptical of curries around the world because 95% of the time they aren't a patch on the favourite curry houses back at home - but I could be proven wrong.

The highlights of North island, by far, have been the skydive and the Tongariro Crossing. I *really* want to put the videos of our skydives up but it's proving difficult finding a internet cafe with a fast enough connection. They are just TOO funny!