Back to the beginning.

We managed to find our way back to the big smoke again successfully and went to collect Mum & Dad's suitcases from the campervan hire place.  As we were earlier than planned we decided to make a trip to the Antarctic centre to learn about the area which is actually rather close to New Zealand.  We went in the room where they lower the temperature to -18C which was a tad chilly to say the least thank goodness we were given special coats and rubber covers (which were too big and difficult to walk in) for our shoes.  It went dark and they blew in an extremly chilly wind and icy cold spray flew into our faces it was a tad scary how they work in those conditions we'll never know it was fascinating.  We could have fun in there too as there was a snow bike to pose for photos and an ice slide which Aimee enjoyed. After a good nosy around we returned to the campsite and had a nosy around before hitting Pizza Hut for the buffet tea.

Minus 21 degree C in Antarctic Centre Christchurch

The next morning was our last in the campervan as we were having a chalet for the last night so that we could pack and sort out our stuff.  We then braved New Zealands public transport system and got a bus into town.  First stop was the cathedral which was under renovation but had some great stained glass windows.  Next we got on the tourist tram for a ride around town. We went in the art gallery first to have a quick look at a few rooms, as it was massive.  We had lunch in the art centre which was a great place as it was full of little shops selling jewlery, wooden carvings and a wool shop amongst others. We had a look round the museum, it had a lot of displays about Mauri history as well as a victorian street which was cool.  Once outside we hopped on the tram and got off for a shopping sesh at one of many souviner shops.  Naturally we had to stop for a coffee, where we were also joined by a sparrow which was nice.  As the evening was drawing in we went for one last ride around town on the tram and nipped into the cathedral once more to listen to the choir boys.  Then we went back to the campsite to check into our chalet, a simple task you would assume.  Alas when Dad opened the door we were greated by four pensioners who were there for a funeral, the muppets at reception had booked them in our room on the wrong night!!!  We were moved to another room and had to reverse the van to the outside of this room. That evening we packed again and went for tea in the shopping centres food court and there was a New Zealand ice cream shop - a great way to finish off the south island.

Christchurch Tram

It was an early start so we could drop off the campervan and get to the airport in time to catch our respective flights - one to windy Wellington the other to Manchester, via Singapore.

Thanks to Mum & Dad for a) coming out to see us b) driving the campervan c) paying for everything and d) looking after us for three weeks. I'm sure one day I will be able to pay you back!! Once I get my licence (!) we'll come back & i'll drive around (in a car) on our return summer trip (which we nearly have planned now!!).

Goodbye to South Island