We are on tour in Christchurch. The walk along the river is lovely and we see a guy struggling to punt- we think we will do that later. we walk throughh town and after brunch find the information centre- we are going to go on the gondola up the mountain. The ticket includes a 2 day tram pass- brill. We are told its best to get the shuttle to the gondola and 10 dollars each will include an interesting commentary on the way. The lady bus driver says not a word u...

Today we travel on the trans coastal express down to Christchurch. The views are amazing but we are so tired we keep dropping off (I mean sleep). We go to stand in the viewing gallery which is basically a carraige with no seats or walls or windows. Just a low rail around it. We cling on for dear life and can hardly breath we are going so fast. The views are amazing as we are going along the shore line and the waves are breaking against the sides of the track. L...

I am on a Take That theme today. It began on the ferry when I was enjoying the piped music of Take That. I hummed along and thought 'how lovely'. I began to notice the sound kind of faded in and out and thought it might be the rubbish ship speakers. Me and Steve were sitting down and noticed no one was sitting around us- oh well- happy with that. After a bit I wonder- is that music from our i-pods? I ask Steve and he is sure not but every time he leans forwar...

This morning the back packers awake and go for a jog- yes we do. That makes us a little later for breakfast than we intend. Its an interesting thing getting your own breakfast in a strange kitchen- you are never sure if you are helping yourself to someone elses stuff or sitting in someone elses seats. anyway we muddle through and manage to eat half a loaf of toast and steve got a cup of tea and we talked to a french family- in english- sort of. We wash up our ow...

Tried a back packers hostel, it's basic and you meet a wide variety of travellers. The + 50s The + 30s and kids The 20+ serious back packers The -20 lost boy/girl hiding from life It's both interesting and sad at the same time. The only place we need to try has a special place in the hearts of all 70s wannabes. Will it answer the question- Is it" fun to stay at the YMCA"?