Christchurch and back to Oz

Location: Coffs Harbour
Weather: Sunny but not as hot as normal

Took another very long bus journey from Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo. Christchurch is supposed to be an English town and I suppose it is a bit like Oxford or something, they have punting on the river, a big church. Also it is Autumn and they have all the same trees and leaves as we do back home. Stayed at The Base backpackers and then changed to Oxidental because it was a bit noisy for my liking. Hmm oh yeah there are some excellent museums in Christchurch.

Took a day trip to Kaikoura to swim with some Dusky Dolphins. This is considered 'the place' for dolphins and whales and there were probably about 500 of the cetaceans swimming around me, but the sea was very rough and it wasn't particularly enjoyable. You had to wear a full wet suit because of the cold and you couldn't lie still and watch them as the waves were so choppy. Next time I'll have to go in summer.

Also took the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth and back. There had been some very strong winds the night before and on the way there a tree was across the track which delayed us for a couple of hours. But it was pretty good because I got to walk along the tracks and see the drivers cab and talk to the driver. I also met an English 'rail enthusiast' from Richmond which was quite amusing.

Finally flew back to Melbourne on 7th May - concluding my New Zealand trip.

By JamesReed on 07.05.04 @ 01:55 PM GMT