Hi everyone

Today is my last day in Christchurch before starting my tour around New Zealand. I had a terrible sleep last night, however I still went to the Gondola as planned. The view from there were amazing. You could see all across Christchurch and the Canturbury planes. There were even mountains in the background covered in snow.

Today has been a lovely day, and has been warm (after me buying a warm jacket yesterday), but still not warm enough to go without one. This made the Gondola trip (cable cars) even more beautiful due to the sun shining and making thing sparkle. The mountain the cable carts went up was only roughly 435 metres above sea level, but you were able to get 360o views of the area.

I then headed for a tour around the city via the tram line. This was only a 25 min journey and I had walked most of it yesterday - however still very pleasant. I was able to stop for early dinner at the Le Cafe at the art centre. I got glass of wine, dinner and desert for around 10 pounds (which I thought was fab).

Due to the lovely weather today, it has been a day for relaxing and sitting about. Starbucks is becoming a my friend - as its been a great place to chill out for a little while and stick my head in a book.

Overall, I have found christchurch a little bit limited in terms of things to do within the town, however it has a very chilled out atmosphere. It does remind me of a smaller verison of Oxford (the founder studied at Christchurch college either in Oxford or Cambridge).

Anyway, I am going to have a relaxing evening tonight (already on my second glass of wine) as I have a early start tomorrow and lots of travelling to do over the next 15 days. I will try to keep you posted as much as I can.

lots of love

Helen