After just a few days in central Queenstown, me and my surfboard were on the move again, in search of cheaper pillows on which to rest my head. My search took me to Frankton, a 10 minute hitch from town and to a unique living situation. I was lucky enough to get a couch surfing spot with a friendly Manc who just happened to be under house arrest. Far from dodgy, it was a a enjoyable few days and a lovely lakeside spot to call my home from home. Surrounded by Brits for one of the first times on my travels (I was joined by a Yorkshire couch surfer), we had more than a few mugs of wine between us that night. I woke to beautiful clear blue skies and just a bit of a headache. Lacing up my trainers I trotted off to enjoy a different perspective of Lake Wakatipu to the ones I had enjoyed in Queenstown.

My run took me along a treat of a trail which curved up alongside the Shotover river. The glacial water of the river glints a magical turquoisey-blue and is fresh and safe to drink. I enjoyed gorgeous views along the river, over wildflower meadows and up towards The Remarkables; a mountain range so called since it is the only one in the world which lies precisely South to North.

Despite the majestic mountainous surroundings, motivation was failing me after 15 minutes or so. I turned back and enjoyed the same views just as much the second time round. After some half-arsed push ups by the lake I collapsed and enjoyed a spiritual laze in the grass. Gazing up to the beautiful blue sky through a golden tree it dawned on me that autumn is well under way here in New Zealand. My winter avoidance, after 14 months will be coming to an end soon. I’ll have to start saving for some leggings!