Punting on the Avon

Christchurch Trams
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We arrived mid-afternoon and headed straight across Cathedral Square and found Charlie B's Backpackers - Fort Knox! You had to have codes to get in and out of practically every room!

We walked through the city to the Art Gallery; after a good dose of culture, we went to the Botanic Gardens which Christchurch is well-known for. Here, we have to mention the sculpture which caused lots of controversy when it was 1st erected - supposedly, it is of wrestlers (a plaque has even been put up stating this) but we'll leave you all to judge for yourselves!!

Cathedral Square had a good atmosphere, with an open air market and the traditional trams still in use.

City Cathedral.
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We spent the evening in the hostel and chilled with our fellow travellers. We were yet to meet our 12 room mates but had already deciphered by the smell that we were sharing with lads!

The next day we made the most of our time before leaving for Kaikoura, by going punting up the Avon - very British except for the American guy that was doing the punting! We visited the Cathedral, which then turned into the main stage for KidsFest - a medley of Broadway songs and dances. It was a bit strange - scantily clad kids parading around on the main step into the Cathedral!

City Sculpture
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We reached our limits of stage school kids and found some lunch at an awesome salad bar called 'Rocket' - we were in heaven!

Cathedral Square had a good atmosphere, with an open air market and the traditional trams still in use.

We grabbed our stuff from the hostel and hopped on a bus to Kaikoura.