Queenstown

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19.12.2011

We went on a walk to the top of the mountain overlooking Queenstown. It took us an hour and was very steep. The views from the top were fantastic, it was a very nice day again so we had lunch up there. We jumped on the gondola on the way down which supposed to be $14 but we snook on. We then headed for the small stoney beach on the side of the lake. Was still nice so we did some sunbathing and I went for a swim. The water was freezing and only lasted about a minute in there.

20.12.2011

On the way to Christchurch we stopped off at a few lakes on the way. It took about 7 hours so was good to have a few breaks. One was called the Pukaki which was aqau blue, something to to with the glacier water particles being spread apart creating prisms making it look bright blue. There we got a great view of Mount Cook - the highest mountain in New Zealand. Arrived in Christchurch to alot of earthquake destruction. Lots of empty buildings and rubble everywhere. The inner city was barriered off so not much to do. That night we watched Home Alone to get us into the Xmas spirit.

21.12.2011

Only 4 days until Christmas and doesn't feel like it at all! 1 day until we get to see Kate, Stu and Charlie. The weather was nice so we went for a walk around the barriers in the centre of Christchurch. There wasn't much building work going on and some holes in the roads and debris had just been left. It was quite depressing really. They had set up some containers which had been turned into shops so we looked around them which was pretty cool. They say it will take 22 years to get it back to normal again! M x

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