Friday 29th January 2010, Queenstown to Christchurch

Leaving Queenstown was a very sad day and it took us two attempts before we finally left and headed back to Christchurch!!!

As you all will know by now we missed our original bus to Christchurch which was meant to be the day before, and also you will also know by now that we don't learn and so therefore ended up today travelling for 8 hours with a huge hangover!!

The bus left at 8:30am and we were out there ready to load about 8:15am. Kerry and Kate were also leaving today so we all made sure each other was up as well as our very helpful and loving wake up call from dad! Thanks dad xx

Now I would like to tell you that the scenery all the way to Christchurch was lovely but I'd be lying if I told you that as we actually don't know as we both spent the majority of the journey asleep!! Pretty much like everyone else on the bus!! Queenstown does that to you! Because the bus was pretty full we couldn't have seats to ourselves but this in the end caused no problems as Caroline found a very comfy spot on the floor between our chairs and the ones in front and then spent the whole day there! I consequently had two chairs to lie across and sleep!

We did wake up and jump off the bus at all the scenic stops and obviously for lunch as well. On the way we had stops at Lake Tekapo which was very nice with lovely views across to the mountains and also at lunch we stopped at Lake Pukaki which again had some spectacular views. Pretty much the same as all over the South island-beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Also today we got to see Mount Cook.

We eventually arrived in Christchurch at about 4:30pm and after being dropped off at Stonehurst we sorted out stuff for the following day and used the internet before having a quick freshen up as we were meeting Kerry and Jane (another girl we met on kiwi) for dinner. We met them around 6:30pm and all decided that Indian would be a great choice. We all had a lovely meal and even though we had vowed we weren't drinking tonight we did end up with a beer with our curries. But this was the one and only drink for tonight!

After dinner I did my tour guide bit (thank god for a good sense of direction) and showed Kerry and Jane around the bits we knew of Christchurch. We then went to the Arts centre as it was the final days of The World Buskers' Festival and great timing was on our side so we sat and watched about 5 different acts on stage all for the bargain price of $2! We had missed the first half but at least we got to see some acts so we were all happy although a bit chilly by the end as Christchurch was freezing!!!

After this we all walked Kerry back to BASE and said our goodbyes as well as making good use of the coffee machine there before then walking back to our hostel. Bad day, great evening! And we even got to read some of our books before going to sleep! Sad I know but sometimes a girl needs an early night with just her book for company!!