Feeling very relieved at catching up with the blog! This is our final day in New Zealand and I can honestly say it has been eye-opening, breath-taking, just so awesome. It's quite strange that the trip ended on a really thought provoking and down to earth bump in Christchurch. I really don't know what I was expecting but the centre is still like a bomb has dropped on it- 2011 the earthquake shook the city with devastating effects - 4 & 1/2 years later and it looks like nothing has been done! An eerie atmosphere surrounds the centre - it felt like death to me! Certainly brought me back to earth from my 'awesome' experiences over the past 15 days. Nevertheless, I'm glad we saw Christchurch, made me appreciate things more and put things into perspective, and am hopeful that they succeed with the plans for the new centre, the designs look wonderful. Early night at the airport hotel- car returned to Ace car hire after a total driving distance of 1651km = 1025 miles over 5 days and many hours!! - bags all repacked and ready for the 6.15am Air New Zealand flight to Melbourne.