On the 16th the new owner of our accomodation, Steph took us up the hill to get another great view over the sounds. Then we headed off into town and checked in for our Tranz Scenic Railway trip from Picton to Christchurch. Waht a trip for 100km the train was right next to the pacific ocean - where we saw some seals and then going through mountains. It was really enjoyable. As a surprise Jacqui's Uncle Paul met us at Christchurch train station and took us to get out hire car. Once we got back to Jacqui's Uncle Paul's we headed off to the Governors Bay Hotel for dinner.  Lovely dinner - Jacqui had lamb shank and Neen had bangers and mash - good old hearty winter food   We all stayed up late to watch the Springboks Vs Australia - close match but the Springbok's won.  Jacqui was happy!  Jacqui's Uncle Paul for those who do not know is another adopted Uncle who lived in South Africa and came back with Jacqui's family in 1984.  He is also Graham Owen's dad - who took us out fishing on the boat in Cape Town.

On the 17th we headed off to Uncle Paul's son, David, house for brunch.  Jacqui hasn't seen David since she was about 11 so both had changed.  We then went for a drive over the ridge in Lyttleton to have a look at the stunning views out on the sounds.  We had a lovely afternoon tea in Christchurch at Mona Vale which is on the river Avon that flows through Christchurch. 

On the 18th we had a bit of a late start and spent the afternoon walking around Ferrymead which is a Heritage Village near Lyttleton it was very pretty.  Got a great poster about what women should be doing - looking after their men it will find a palce in our house when we get back.  That night we had a great meal in Lyttleton town centre - it is a small place but has some lovely old victorian buildings.  The food was fantastic

On the 19th David took the day off work and we all headed off to Akaroa to go fishing on the boat.  It was bloody cold so we had sooo many layers witgh lots of thermals on.  Another fantastic drive over the mountains - we feel like we have been spoilt with the views but that's just what you see on every turn.  We took the boat out to through the sounds and did a bit of fishing.  This time Jacqui did not get wet like she did with David's brother in Cape Town.  We had a lovely lunch in Akaroa.  The whole experience was fantastic we really enjoyed it all.  That night we had an easy night and had fish and chips in with Max the dog.