Left Kaikoura on the train which runs along the coast and then goes onto the Canterbury Plains which go on for ever. Spent the following day going on the tram ride and driving about 15 minutes out of the city centre to the gondola which goes up to the top of the extinct volcano rim and where you can see for miles.

Yesterday (Thursday) we were driven part of the way up to Arthur's Pass and then boarded the Tranzalpine at Springfield for the trip through the gorge and up towards the summit. We were picked up from here and then taken over the summit onto the western slopes of the mountains. We saw scenery that those who stayed on the train missed as they had a very long 8 klm tunnel to travel through! On our way back we boarded a Jetboat and had a hair raising trip along a shallow riverbed through awesome scenery. When the cox raised his hand it was a warning that he was going to do a 360 degree spin, which meant we got very wet. Very good. Saw some sheep shearing and then came back to the City.

Today we have been to the International Antartic Centre - which was cool !!!!!

Donned coats and experienced a wind chill of -18. Very good interactive bits and pieces and excellent video. Had a trip in a 4 wheel drive Haggland vehicle which is used in the Antartic.

Picking up campervan tomorrow!!!!!