Quick stop in Christchurch

Well, I made it to Christchurch from Sydney. It was a quick 3 hour flight. I'm now reconsidering flying back to Australia as it's only 15 degrees here! Ouch. I know I shouldn't say that as it's probably minus 15 back home. But, after a month in the 30's I was getting quite used to the 'don't need a jacket' weather. I was annoyed as well - as my travel agent booked me in on a late flight - so arriving in around midnight can cause problems in getting to accomodation etc. But, surprisingly that went well. Sometimes it is extremely hard and sometimes it is extremely easy getting into and out of cities. Thumbs up for Christchurch!

I wouldn't really say that I am 'staying' in Christchurch either as I am jetting out on my Kiwi Experience bus in the early morning. I guess I am taking a mere nap here. I will be back later in my trip - so I guess I can explore it then. I am staying in Cathedral square - and not surprisingly there is a giant cathedral in the middle of a square. It's right downtown - so it seems quite central to everything. But, 'everything' is closed right now so that doesn't really matter I guess.

I'm ready for my Kiwi Experience!

But, basically because I have just over 2 weeks in New Zealand and what I would call an 'over achieving travelling spirit' - I am taking a jump off and on bus tour around both islands for the next few weeks. I know it will be nuts as I am covering thousands of km in a short period of time - where I should be taking a few months. But, I would rather see lots then stay in one place for too long.

So, here I go. I am heading to the west coast of the South island first thing in the morning. Apparently the drive is quite scenic as we will be driving through the mountains. But, from what I have gathered from New Zealand in guidebooks - the whole country will be quite scenic and perhaps remind me a bit of our scenic homeland too.