I have spent the last week in Christchurch. Left Queenstown at 8.45 and finally got top hostel at 5pm ish. it was a long drive up the south island throught the canterbury plains. its all very flat around here and lots of farm land so not much too see. the weather was poor as well so couldnt even see the southern alps or MT cook. we stopped in Tekapo for lunch but it did not look like the photo here!!! When in Christchurch the weather was really nice and had sunny days all week. at lunchtime ish the sun was quite warm so was able to just wear a t-shirt. CC is a nice city and is supposed to feel quiet english. it does a bit but als doesnt feel/look like all the NZ cities. I went to the Botanic gardens and walked around there, went to the art gallery, museum, arts centre (where i did a fudge kitche tour and was able to taste as much fudge as i wanted too including warm just made fudge, i had to eat my money worth after all!!!) went up the gondola to see the views over CC and the Banks Pennisular. i also went on a day trip to Akoroa which is a small french village, although t\its not very french. the road names are all french but lacks the french feel and french shops/food!!!! the weather was nice here and was a nice day to walk along the harbour and waterfront and arty/crafty shops.