10. Christchurch, New Zealand

It would be unfair to describe Christchurch as an anti-climax. Firstly, it followed our special time in Kaikoura, so we were bound to be on a bit of a downer. Secondly, it was the last stop on our 2-week New Zealand tour. Our days were tinged by sadness and a firm resolve to return.

Christchurch is beautifully located at the feet of yet more dormant volcanoes that form the Banks Peninsula. Compared to Auckland with its gentle hills and Wellington with its dramatic steepness, the city of Christchurch is almost boringly flat. Good pace for cycling, no doubt.

But the Banks Peninsula, the flatness of the Canterbury Plains, and the distant Southern Alps make for a unique proposition all of its own. This is reinforced by the Old World feel of many buildings, such as the cathedral. In fact, Christchurch was first conceived as a model English settlement.

More English than the English, so to speak.

Decidedly non-English is the village of Akaroa. Hard to believe, but the small town has a distinct French influence. It was the imminent arrival of the French settlers that

caused the English to claim New Zealand for themselves. Otherwise we'd be calling it Nouvelle Zelande or something. We had a great dinner there on the last evening, all Gallic flair and New Zealand fish dishes. We arrived too late for the French fête, though. Pity.

And so we had to say farewell to New Zealand, bravely telling us we'll return as soon as possible. we haven't even seen Northland, Hawke's Bay, Queenstown, Fjordland, and so many more places.

Off to Australia ------>