Christchurch, New Zealand

Well, here we are...in New Zealand's largest city (in the South Island, at least:)). It's been a CRAZY couple days. We got into New Zealand on Sunday, and it's already Wednesday. The time is flying by so fast. I can't believe I'll be home in 8 days (9 for those reading from the US).

The flight over was pretty fun. We had great flight attendants on our Air New Zealand flights. Julie's got a great story about one of them, but I can't do it justice by writing it on here. Everyone will just have to ask us when we get back. :)

We started our New Zealand trip in Blenheim, which is a really small town on the North end of the South Island. It's a cute little "hometown" kind of place, but unfortunately everything closes at 5...I swear...We went on a fabulous wine tour through the Marlborough region and bought ourselves a few bottles to last the rest of the road trip. We also went on a greenshell mussel cruise through the Marlborough sounds and had fresh steamed mussels. It was my first time to try them, and they are (of course) amazing. :)

Yesterday we drove down to Christchurch but stopped along the way to do some whale watching in Kaikoura. We saw 4 whales, Hector dolphins (very rare) and lots of other marine life. It was pretty fascinating, although the whales were not very pretty to tell you the truth.

Today we wandered around Christchurch, which is the "city of gardens" because of all the beautiful green space in the city. I made some wonderful purchases at a couple little artsy stores and took great pictures of the Christchurch cathedral. Our hotel is very swanky and located in the best part of town, so we're excited to get out and enjoy some great food and wine tonight.

Tomorrow it's off to Lake Tekapo for a night and then it's on to Te Anau for a few nights. We're going to Doubtful Sound at that time. I'm so excited about seeing some more fabulous New Zealand scenary.

Don't worry. I'm taking lots of pictures and my vitamins. :) Love everyone!