Quest Christchurch Apt Hotel

... for the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs where I spent a couple of days enjoying soaking in the various hot mineral pools. The pools were good value but very busy and annoyingly couples everywhere for whom the water must make them want to be glued to one another as I would put money on them not being so close in public out of the water. It was worse when I went back in the evening to soak under the stars &#8211; they were lurking everywhere in dark corners!!!<br><br>I got on my bike and ...

... being free. When I first went in I though I would spend maybe half an hour looking at things like Maori culture and early Christchurch, and while they had those exhibits as expected, they had so much more: the colonization of New Zealand, dinosaurs, meteors, geology, weather, the body, the Antartic, birds, European antiques and clothing, Asian art and more. The museum was next to the Botanical Gardens, a huge park of more than 30 hectacres that plays a large part in ...

... Thanks, but I'll just have a big cup of coffee." Ol' Dolly replies, as he beats an embarrassed retreat. It was a quick beer in an "Irish Pub" across the road as we waited for the maxitaxi to reappear and then we headed home. The driver engaged in pleasant conversation and switched off the meter without announcement. We arrived back at the van park and he asked for the fare - $10 more than the outward journey. "I'm not that bloody drunk!" I growled at him and he immediately ...

... these dolphins is strictly regulated, with only this company accredited - and they will only take 13 swimmers at a time and are limited to three trips a day. On this occasion the boat took 40 minutes to locate the dolphins, but on the way we did get a chance to see a couple of fur-seals and loads of sea-bird life. Once they position the boat ahead of the pod, the swimmers (us) take up positions on the back of the boat ready to dive in. The sounding of a horn ...

... made by a husband and wife team - and in the same family operation (just a small shop) a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry made from broken metal, with the missing final section finished according to the owner's daughter's imagination. The owner also seemed to be a bit of geek - composing mathematical puzzles including one hidden in the Bayeux tapestry that nobody has yet solved. By the time we reached Christchurch ...

... near Christchurch, for our last night in the camper. We were quite sad to be leaving our camper lifestyle, it had served us well. Akaroa, a pretty little fishing town on the peninsula pretty much hated campers. There are signs everywhere telling you you can´t park, probably because they spoil the view or something ...

... There was a brief tour of some of the factory area and a special Chocolate Waterfall. After a quick look around the shopping area we were ready to call it a day and start our journey towards Christchurch. Before that though we stopped at Baldwin Street which is the worlds steepest residential street and boy was it steep! Wisely we didn't take the camper van up the street as I seriously think it ...

... How does one acquire so much music? Well some say it's an illness to<br>have an obsession such as this. Me , I consider my self highly evolved.<br><br><br>So... the moving is over with... and quite the experience. I<br>was too chicken to drive the truck that stu and I hired, so for the<br>most part I was a co labourer with brother stu and the kind souls that<br>helped us move all our gear from A to B, and sometimes C, D and E ...

... inconvenience; it will be a while before we take the ferry crossing. And finally, I am indebted to the friendly proprietor of an outdoor clothing shop for the title of this journal; he was describing the appearance of the best trouser combination for walking in New Zealand, thermal leggings with a pair of shorts over the top. We bought some waterproof trousers too so now we're ready for anything!<br><br>keep in touch and please do us a sunshine danceHelen and Andy