We were picked up by our guide, Lyndal, and driven into Christchurch. Our first stop was a fabulous native garden at the home of Jo Kerr. The weather was a bit less than perfect today and Jo showed us around before the raindrops could fall, pointing out all the beautiful trees and plants along the way. We were accompanied on our journey by Jo's two cats, both British Blues and very entertaining with their crazy antics. As the rain started to fall Jo took us inside and treated us to coffee and sandwiches before we were once more on our way.

We saw an advert for punting on the Avon, and in spite of the rain we just had to have a go! We spent a relaxing half hour being steered along the Avon through the wonderful botanical gardens in the charge of our trusty boatman, Kevin, boater hat and all! Great fun and so very English!

We then took a walk around the central area admiring the beautiful gardens along the way. We went right up to the edge of the CBD which is still completely closed to the public. It is a sobering sight to peer through the wires at the area where so many people lost their lives and to see the tributes which have been left. We wish the people of Christchurch well for all the re-building work and are full of admiration for their inspiring spirit in the face of such adversity.

By now we were feeling very chilly as the temperature had dropped considerably and the icy rain was falling. We went into the museum and had a wander round an interesting exhibit showing many years of action rugby photos of the All Blacks by famous photographer, Peter Bush. Not too many photos of the All Blacks losing!!

Back out into the cold and rain and headed straight back inside the nearest cafe for a hot coffee to warm up! Then back to beautiful Otahuna for the rest of the afternoon.

While sitting peacefully working in the turret sitting room of our suite we experienced our first 'shake'. Apparently there have been about half a dozen during our stay in the Christchurch area but this was the first we actually felt. We both leapt to our feet and stood frozen like rabbits in the headlights for a few seconds as the stained glass windows rattled all around us. Then, thankfully, it was over and no harm done. We checked online and found that it was 4.3 magnitude quake at 12 km depth and we now fully understand why Christchurch people spend so much of their time checking out the stats online. It just feels so much better to know!

We were the only guests for dinner that night and we dined in the library. As usual we had an amazing meal, this time prepared by our wonderful chef, Fiona, and naturally we also enjoyed excellent wines chosen by Emma. Did I mention before that we are being spoiled rotten?!