We got up really early (well, about 8) as it was freezing in the tent. There was actual condensation from our breath on the inside!

We managed to dodge the Bible-wielding maniac (he probably had seen the look in Keiron's eyes as he was contemplating to break the 'though shalt not kill' commandment) and had breakfast in peace.

After shopping, we set off for Mt Cook (Aoraki in Maori) National Park. On the way inland, we had spectacular mountain views nearly all the way through. There were several dams to stop the milky blue glacial lakes from going anywhere.

Closer to Mt Cook/Aoraki, it became a bit more cloudy. At the turnoff for SH80, the cloudy sky turned an eery light blue and pink, the reflection of lake Pukaki, another insanely blue, 35 km long lake. At the end of it was Glentanner Park Centre, not a Top 10 but decent all the same.

We were waiting for the lady to stop cleaning so we could eat, and suddenly Mt Cook/Aoraki appeared out of the clouds, looking very majestic, so we had a wander down to the lake and took a few photos.

Afterwards, we had lunch outside as it was chilly but sunny, and talked to a guy named Rory from Northhamptonshire (or something like that anyway). We spent a quiet afternoon blissfully unaware of what was in store. I read my book, Keiron sat outside contemplating the mountain and the world, we went to the lake again (this time equipped with woolly hat and gloves).

Then, as it got dark and cold, a stampede of pubeless sixteen year olds and their inadequate teachers came to ruin our evening, taking over the whole space, shouting and yelling while I was watching Friends with Rory and some other people.

As we were doing dinner, the teacher (!) actually bumped into me twice without apology and I was about to push his face into the mince. We had enchilladas with rice and chicken, watching the glorious pink sunset and trying not to hear the noise. After, we tried to read a bit more, but the place was a madhouse and we did not want to get arrested for GBH on a 16-year old, so we retired to the car and went to sleep... at 9.

It was pitch black and ice cold, so we wrapped ourselves up like enchilladas. Having had our second evening ruined by inconsiderate people, Keiron and I agreed that we weren't really people persons...

By the way, if you ever feel like cheating New Zealand customs, don't!
Hilary Swank, the actress from Million Dollar Baby and Boys Don't Cry, was fined for brining in an apple and orange into New Zealand. She contested the decision, saying she 'just forgot' but still had to pay up!