Well after 2 flights (the first being more traumatic than the second) I got to NZ.

Coming out of the airport to a cool breeze was so good. I caught a local bus into town that dropped me off at the end of the road my hostel was on. Easy. I thought. But as I started to walk down the road it became more and more apparent that the road was becoming less passable. And eventually it was blocked off. Due to the earthquake in February the whole town centre is blocked off awaiting demolition or repair.

After nearly an hour's detour I got back to the road and to the strange hostel I'm currently at. It's a nice place but the other guests aren't that exciting, let's say. Today I walk round what I could of the town and booked a bus and hostel in Akaroa for the next 2 nights. But there my plan has failed as the area I'm in there has no beds anywhere over xmas. None at all. So I now have to head back to Christchurch, to derelict town on xmas eve. I may be able to get another room back here, and I guess it's better in somewhere I know. But my dreams of xmas on the beach are now over as I can't get anywhere else by then. Oh well. I'll have to settle for it on my birthday instead.

Anyway, I shall keep you up-to-date with my movements, wherever I end up!