2 hr bus to Hamner Springs - thermal pools / spa resort, loads of hot pools, some v boiling, and also sulpur pools. V relaxing and great views from some pools of mountains and awesome countryside - Gramp would have loved the drive from Christchurch. Had nice dinner with Jon's parents and family - 9 of us altogether - before saying goodbye as off on the Kiwi Experience early tomorrow morning - choo choo!!!!!!!!!

Went to small beach resort - Sumner - quiet cold and winny so brief stay! Meet up with Jon's parents, David's sister and family. Played golf - putting - on course owned by David's nephew - Jon hole in one - Rich winner. BBQ in woodland with lots of locals, followed by mud-wrestling in paddling pool pen - funny, we all watched, not keen for getting involved in that activity!! Drinking in hostel -$5 pitchers at happy hr. Hit the strip again me, J...

Botanical Gardens - saw rose gardens, water gardens and various flower gardens - very sophisticated!!!! Walked around Christchurch - quiet lively, very English. Awesome fruit ice-creams - only had one (unlike Dad hey!!!) After checking the gd venues - hit Liquidity (me, Jon, Peter and Christina) on the terrace again - loads of Aussies there, live DJ. Irish girls persuaded us to go to Mansion - for house / D'n'B night - free entry, cheapish drinks...

Arrived in NZ Christchurch (via Sydney) early afternoon - feeling whacked / tired / hungover, but eager for phase 2 of the trip to start. Got a bit of sleep as we both didn't sleep on plane - than checked out 'the strip' Oxford Terrace for a few bevies. Some wicked bars - funky tunes, gd people.