Palmerston North to Lake Tekapo

After a good three months it was finally time to leave Palmerston North for good. Luckily I planned my trip to Taupo to get me back to my little flat in time to pack up and properly clean the place. I didn't plan for a last night out that ended after 4 in the morning with slight police involvement and statue climbing... This meant my well planned cleaning and packing day was spent sleeping and nursing an impressive and well earned hang over. Somehow I managed to pack (throw everything into my bag) and clean (sort of) and get out only half an hour late. For some reason the reception staff paid me my deposit back without even checking the room, apparently I look clean...

My first aim was to get all the way down to Queenstown on the South island so that I could finally try snowboarding. The first step of this was a coach down to visit Wellington again, a city which is a lot more appealing with more people and some sunshine. It was only a flying visit so not much to report. I was only here thanks to my need to save money hence taking the ferry to the south island rather than a plane. In the end the ferry was a great choice as the crossing between the islands is a really picturesque trip through the narrow channels of the Marlbourough Sounds. 

On the South side of the Cook Strait it was onto another coach for the next leg of the trip to Christchurch. my minimal preparation for my arrival here had at least picked a route to walk from the bus stop to the hostel I was going to stay at. What I hadn't planned for was the fact that the city centre of Christchurch is still partially abandoned and without power. The bus had arrived after dark and it turns out city centres with no lights and lots of boarded up or smashed windows feels like a zombie film waiting to happen. Luckily I avoided any earthquake zombies and made it to the hostel with only minimal police interference.

The next morning I was off on another coach finally bound for Queenstown. Unfortunately this is not how it worked out and halfway through the journey the bus stopped at the tiny village of Tekapo and we were told it was going no further. Apparently the snow between here (where I am writing this blog out of extreme boredom) and Queenstown is too much for the coach. Luckily there was a big hill to climb here with amazing views of the surrounding area and the brilliant turquoise lake. Be sure to full size the last picture to see just how isolated this area is! This stop has made a mess of plans but I am staying positive that tomorrow I will actually make it to Queenstown. In the mean time I will leave you to marvel at the fact that this blog is the first "live" one I have managed!