Tuesday 29th May

Last day in New Zealand!
I just can't believe how quickly my trip has gone. It only seems like yesterday that I was sat in Sydney airport waiting to board my plane to Auckland and here I am waiting to get a bus to the airport ready to leave.
I spent the last 48 hours in Christchurch, which is incredibly English and reminds me of Oxford. Although the plan of the city is based on the block system, the general atmosphere and architecture makes you feel like you're in the UK. It is very strange! Whilst in Lake Tekapo I met up with Lynne, who I have been travelling with on and off for the past three weeks. So it was a great suprise and relief to have some company for the last leg of my journey. Therefore, the two of us, wandered through the streets of Christchurch at a very relaxed pace yesterday and finished with a cocktail on the banks of the River Avon. We did, on route, visit a fudge factory and join a tour, which involved plenty of tasting opportunities! There is a gondola here out of town and a short walk along the coastal path, but feeling tired I decided to realx for a few days, as I need some energy for the US. Conveniently the local swimming baths is just around the corner from the hostel, so I have been for a swim each day including this morning!
So it is a shame to be leaving a country that I feel I've only seen a snipit of. I have thoroughrally enjoyed admiring the outstanding scenery and participating in a few of the outdoor adventure tasks NZ has to offer. I have many photos of the scenery that I have yet to put on flickr, I'll choose the best ones and display a selection when I'm back home.
The relaxed working hours and emphasis on social life and wellbeing is very apparant and appealing, I can see why Lara chose to stay. I would definately recommend the Magic Bus as a form of transport, booking my seat was the best decision I made during my stay. On the bus I have met many people of all ages and backgrounds, most of which I hope to keep in touch with. But, more importantly, I have people to share my travelling memories with!
My next post will probably be back in the UK as I don't know whether I'll have time in LA, I shall see what I can do. The flight is a very long 12 hours from Auckland ontop of a hour flight to Christchurch, I'm glad I've got a good book!!