Slept in today, and had the day to myself to explore the city. My hotel was right next to Christchurch Cathedral that was so devestatinly destroyed by the earthquake in 2011. They still lhave not decided if they are going to tear it down and build new, completely restore, or save part of it and build the rest in a new fashion. The city has made great progress and some buildings are now completed (my hotel for one, and they built it recreating the orginal Edwardi...

Yesterday I had a day off!!!! Slept in for a change, then wandered about the town, enjoying the stores, fall colours on the trees around the lake, and generally enjoying the cafes, while people watching around the waterfront. Sun was out, although a little cool, but good walking weather. Today we travelled north through the historic gold mining region of Kawarau Gorge, through the Lindis Pass and into Mackenzie Country. Again extremely rugged vistas, chang...

Yesterday I had a day off!!!! Slept in for a change, then wandered about the town, enjoying the stores, fall colours on the trees around the lake, and generally enjoying the cafes, while people watching around the waterfront. Sun was out, although a little cool, but good walking weather. Today we travelled north through the historic gold mining region of Kawarau Gorge, through the Lindis Pass and into Mackenzie Country. Again extremely rugged vistas, chang...

Today I travelled on one of the top six scenic rail journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine--The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure. After crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, we wound our way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakaariri River valley. I am running out of descriptive adjectives!!!!!We continued up and over the Southern Alps, with their snow capped peaks and stopped brie...

Left at 7:15 am to go to the ferry a for the crossing from the north to the south island arriving at Picton.The journey across Cook straight was extremely rough, and people were falling like flies, lying on the floor trying to cope with the seasickness. Fortunately my sealegs were good and no problem. I enjoyed the beauty of both islands at once, including the Kaikoura mountain ranges. The rolling waves (about 10-12ft) settled once we got into the small islands t...