On Wednesday evening I flew from Melbourne to Christchurch gaining another 2 hours, and I'm now 11 hours ahead of UK. The flight was uneventful except for a a lot of turbulence on the descent to Christchurch, but I was confident I could parachute to safety if I had to.
On arrival at Christchurch I went through immigration and a thorough ecological security check carried out by a very cute Beagle looking in my backpack, detecting the fruit I had eaten four hours previously, and having my walking boots inspected for alien species in the tread.
I then took the airport shuttle bus to Charlie B's backpackers, an ex YWCA building. I arrived just after midnight and found the all night reception wasn't answering the bell. I waited patiently for ten minutes as requested by the sign and then rang again after another ten minutes I started tapping on the windows and a helpful guest let me in and got in touch with the night staff who apologised that the bell wasn't working! Still it was a mild night so a night on the steps wouldn't have been too uncomfortable.
Next day I set about exploring central Christchurch and doing some shopping. I shopped around for a new day sack as the zip on my old one has finally gone beyond use. I also bought some thermal underwear as over the next few weeks I expect it to be close to freezing in the mountain areas.
On arrival at Christchurch I went through immigration and a thorough ecological security check carried out by a very cute Beagle looking in my backpack, detecting the fruit I had eaten four hours previously, and having my walking boots inspected for alien species in the tread.
I then took the airport shuttle bus to Charlie B's backpackers, an ex YWCA building. I arrived just after midnight and found the all night reception wasn't answering the bell. I waited patiently for ten minutes as requested by the sign and then rang again after another ten minutes I started tapping on the windows and a helpful guest let me in and got in touch with the night staff who apologised that the bell wasn't working! Still it was a mild night so a night on the steps wouldn't have been too uncomfortable.
Next day I set about exploring central Christchurch and doing some shopping. I shopped around for a new day sack as the zip on my old one has finally gone beyond use. I also bought some thermal underwear as over the next few weeks I expect it to be close to freezing in the mountain areas.
It takes about an hour to walk around central Christchurch. With only a few high rise buildings and not that high compared to Melbourne or London. The centre is Cathedral Square. A church with a cornet sculpture. 
They have nice arts centre from concerted Christ college buildings with 2 cinemas concert hall, theatre and probably more beside. The botanical gardens surrounded by the Avon River on three sides (is it only in UK we say River XXXX, while every where else says XXXX River?) are exceptionally good and enhanced by the autumnal colours of the trees, something hardly noticeable in Australia.
They have nice arts centre from concerted Christ college buildings with 2 cinemas concert hall, theatre and probably more beside. The botanical gardens surrounded by the Avon River on three sides (is it only in UK we say River XXXX, while every where else says XXXX River?) are exceptionally good and enhanced by the autumnal colours of the trees, something hardly noticeable in Australia.
I tried a bar called Dux de Lux as recommended to me by those three Irish girls on a train in Vietnam three months ago. For a change I thought the home brewed bitter was excellent.
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