Christchurch

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Wednesday 12th September

Today we began the long drive from the west coast to the east coast. We head up north and have lunch in a very quaint gold rush town called Hokitika - it was our first day sunning ourselves on a sandy beach. We had fish and chips which is New Zealand's no.1 takeaway - but about half the size to what we'd expect these days in the UK. The rest of the trip headed east through the Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass - some amazing scenery and a beautiful 4hr drive along roads that vary from 1 in 10 snaking inclines/downhill roads complete with runaway vehicle ramps to 10km straights!

Thursday 13th - Saturday 15th September

Christchurch

I really like this city - quite a large city, but with a small and intimate centre - a bit like Edinburgh. We ended up staying for 3 nights but didn't actually do that much. The hostel, called the Coachmans, is definitely the nicest hostel we've been to so far - very friendly hosts and amazing common room with leather sofas/bar/pool table/big screen tv etc etc..

When we left the hostel we went to the city aquariam and kiwi house. Lots of gruesome marine life (eels etc) and a couple of kiwis - a very strange mammal-like bird with a long, thin nose- New Zealands national animal. We also went around the city centre on the tram and went up the gondola to see the view over the Akaroa Peninsula.

On saturday morning we got up especially early to watch the England vs South Africa game (7am KO) and we were excited having just eaten tea and doughnuts! But in hindsight I wish I'd stayed in bed! Our next stop should be Kaikoura..X

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Photos

Christchurch Cathedral
people play chess in the street

Christchuch Botanical Gardens
James had a little trouble picking flowers from the garden

The view over Lyttelton
..From the top of the gondola