Around Chistchurch

I had planned on starting my Kiwi Experience tour today, but was unable to contact the office after getting back from the rafting yesterday, so I had an extra day around Christchurch. First off, I went for a walk around the park and the botanical gardens in Christchurch (must be getting old!)., then explored the museum in for a little bit.

After this I decided to go and find some scenery, so took a bus out to the Christchurch Gondola, which was a cable car, not a long boat normally found in Venice! Still, it had some pretty spectacular views over to the sea and the surrounding hills. Also an interesting exhibition about the original people settling the area. The bus driver on the way home made an impromptu tour guide, pointing out the local sewage works and other interesting stuff like that! Apparently the sewage works was also a nature reserve.

While walking around, I had noticed signs for the World Busker's festival, which was being held in Christchurch. This meant there were plenty of street theatre performers around Christchurch. Most of these I only gave a passing glance to, as they were the normal sort of stuff, but there was a contortionist, whose first act was to squeeze himself through a squash racquet!

Back at the hostel, I'd had to move rooms due to not asking to stay on early enough, so ended up sharing with a different crowd. 3 of the girls from the room had found out about a comedy night linked to the busking festival, so we went off to watch that to wrap up the night. Actually managed to get a decent night's sleep with no annoying snoring woman, which meant I was able to get up in time for the bus early next morning!