NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE

Perfect flights with Singapore Airlines, all on time, no hassle, wonderful food far better than any USA airlines we have been on. I have to say the flights were far less stressful than I'd imagined as we travelled for 23+ hours but we did sleep quite a bit.

We changed at Singapore but all we saw was rain, our first sight of New Zealand.....just like our fields in England!

Quickly through passport but slightly longer with security as they had to check our hiking boots for dirt, mine got a clean as I'd left tiny bits of mud but Roy's were fine. They are super protective of their pristine country. They were so very friendly and helpful explaining about all the "bugs" they don't want in.

Booked into our motel, showered and then out for the afternoon to see Christchurch, warm here 26oC. Small centre with so many buildings still derelict or in state of repair after the 2010/2011 earthquake. Sad to see the beautiful cathedral one of them,  we went off to find the Cardboard Cathedral, a transitional cathedral.

LOTS OF MURALS TO BRIGHTEN THE DISASTER AREAS

CATHEDRAL SQUARE

SCOTT OF THE ANTARCTIC

CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL 7 YEARS AFTER EARTHQUAKE

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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!

CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL

SO HOT!

MONTEREY CEDAR

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Walked through the Botanical Gardens with vast trees from around the world after a couple of beers and pie and mash at Micky Finns Irish pub.