Arrived in Christchurch late on the 9th - a spectacular drive through the Southern Alps; if it wasn't for the trees you could be in the Antartic! Room at Southern Laughter is a little cell-like, but does the job & near the city centre!! On the 10th July, we went to Akaroa (a French settlement about 90mins outside of Christchurch) and swam with dolphins. Our bus driver, Ron, gave us a running commentary all the way there, which led to us thinking we may miss the boat! As it turns out we were the only ones going on the trip (except for the guide & skipper!). The dolphins are Hector's dolphins; these are only found in NZ, and there are only about 7500 around so they're rare! After being kitted out with wetsuits & hats/gloves/boots we
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