The End of New Zealand

Well we have finally arrived in Christchurch. It's grey and cool and on first glance of the city centre I do not think anyway as nice as the other parts of the east coast of the south island.

We gave up the Wickered camper-car which was a blessed relief, 3.5 weeks in it, after doing over 1000km and only 4 nights in m/hotels to escape the rain and claustrophobia of it every night [photos to come].

We fly to Singapore tomorrow and then onto Vietnam. We are expecting a massive culture shock because New Zealand has so many references to the UK, from loads of TV programmes to 70's style tea shops/hotels/ to the music on the radio/in the shops. Everyone speaks English and its easy to get around and experience the islands. Its definitely worth visiting New Zealand as its a beautiful island with some breath taking landscapes. That said, I have found that it is full either old people, who are either tourists or whom live here, or working visa kids. That means the majority of the activities are aimed that them so you are always on it or go so slow you might fall asleep. If any one is thinking about visiting then you definately should but try and give yourselves as much time as possible and possibly concerntrate oneither the north or south island.

Anyway, I went cycling around Queenstown, a 50K ride to Arrowtown and nearly crippled myself. I was riding a new saddle, had new cycle shoes on and didn't have padded shorts on, ouch!!! really ouch!!!!! Afterwards I found it hard to sit down and I walked like John Wayne.

I will try and uploads some more photos before I leave - tandom wine tasting, glacier walking, absailing down100m!!!!