Had an early start today - 8am! as I went on a glacier walk. It was a full day hike and started at 9.15am. I went with a girl in my room called Mitsu. I got kitted out in all the gear - walking boots, crampons and water proof clothing as it was supposed to rain later in the day. We were driven to the glacier in old fashion buses. There were eleven walkers in my group with two guides, Rob and Martin. It took about 15 minutes to walk from the car park to where ...

Tuesday 2 - Unfortunately the weather wasn't as nice today, it was overcast and spitting at times. But I was determined to go for a walk. The walk I went on was called the Avalanche Peak track (lovely name!). This wasn't a walk, rather it was a climb. Most of the time I had to use both hands to help me get up and there wasn't really much of a path. Parts were quite steep and for most of it I had to climb up rocks that were occassionally vertical! A large par...

Monday 1 - Today I left Christchurch to go to Arthurs Pass, which is west of Christchurch. Its a small alpine village surrounded my mountains. I caught the coast to coast bus service, as it was cheaper than the train and I'll do that journey another time. The scenery on the was was lovely - it was a nice sunny day, and the bus took me up into the mountains, passing some nice lakes and rivers on the way. Arrived in Arthurs Pass around 10.30am. It is such a s...

Sunday 31 - Was told by Sandra that if I wanted to I could have a job in a month's time. So said yes. Then went to book up the next leg of my travels. It was a really nice day today, which made a change so me and Lucy took a bike and rode into the centre of Christchuch. I can't remember the last time I rode a bike, so I wasn't very good. Also these bikes belonged to the hostel and being free to borrow also meant they were crap - the seat on mine was so hard ...

Thursday 28th - Arrived in Christchurch today. Am staying at Chester Street backpackers which is a small hostel not far from the centre. The guide says only an eight minute walk, but with a very big and heavy rucksack it took me at least twice that. Didn't do much today as I only got to the hostel about 5pm and its raining. Went and found an internet cafe and downloaded the rest of my Kaikoura photos. Then went back to the hostel. Watched Australian Idol wh...