So our original plan was leave HK on Saturday evening, transfer in Sydney and arrive in Christchurch (CC) on Sunday 12th June.

Never in a million years did I think this plan would change so much.

In summary, re-routed to Melbourne and then flown up to Sydney, 5 cancelled Christchurch flights, 2 nights in a holiday inn in Melbourne, 1 night in a hostel in Sydney, 3hrs on hold to reservations, MANY hours spent queuing for Qantas desks and arrive in CC 75 hours late!!

The long version for those really wanting to know... (please skip if you're totally bored)

1. Sydney plane delayed so re-routed via Melbourne.
2. 15mins to landing in Melbourne the pilot announces that if we don't get to Melbourne in time we will land in Adelaide - luckily land in Melbourne
3. CC flight cancelled due to ash cloud - told to clear customs and speak to Jetstar
4. Jetstar very unhelpful - go to Qantas - get put up in airport hotel and re-booked for next day (Monday)
5. Airport loses bags for 1hr
6. Spend day in Melbourne, only to discover flight in the morning is cancelled. Get re-booked onto later flight following day (Monday)
7. Monday comes, lunchtime flight also cancelled. Spend 3hrs on hold to Qantas reservations and 2.5hrs queuing to get re-routed via Sydney. Fly to Sydney Tuesday, arrive CC Wednesday.
8. Tuesday - fly to Sydney! Hurrah!
9. Tuesday night - discover CC flight is cancelled!
10. Wed morning (4am!!) go to airport and finally get transferred onto Emirates flight to CC
11. ARRIVE IN CC!!!!