New Zealand - Dunedin - Christchurch

Onwards and upwards then - making the journey northwards once again we make our way across the Canterbury Plains towards Christchurch.

The only real point of interest on this journey is the famed and unusual Moeraki boulders - once again in my attempt to educate you all here's the facts:

The Moeraki Boulders are a number of huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki, a small settlement just south of Hampden on New Zealand's Otago coast. These boulders are grey-coloured septarian concretions which have been exposed through shoreline erosion from black mudstone coastal cliffs that back the beach. They originally formed in ancient sea floor sediments during the early Paleocene some 60 million years ago.

The boulders weigh several tonnes and are up to three metres in diametre.

Maori legend tells that the boulders are remains of calabashes, kumaras and eel baskets that washed ashore after the legendary canoe, the Araiteuru was wrecked at nearby Shag Point (Matakaea).

To give yourself a mental picture just imagine big round boulders and you've got it. Look them up and you'll see for yourself - or better still make a little trip and see them in person.

The Canterbury Plains on the way through to Christchurch are probably the flattest land across New Zealand and for this reason it is one of the most farmed areas - think of the Land of Rohan from Lord of the Rings and you'll have it right - that bit was actually filmed there.

Nothing else of interest to report until we reached Christchurch - the largest city in the South Island where 2 nights was on the cards so time to rest up and see some of the city.

The night we arrived was a Saturday - the first place since Auckland where you could have a big night out on the weekend along with the locals! So a few hours of primping later (the others - not me......) it was time to put on those dancing shoes and go out and pester the local talent for the evening! And pester we did.... Several hours later (about 8 or 9 hours I think) we made it home and did not rise again until very late morning where a hasty beat was made to the Botanical Gardens and the shade of a tree where the recovery began.

The Botanical Gardens in Christchurch are beautiful - they're absolutely huge and have a river running through the middle of them, if you feel particularly energetic you can hire a boat and paddle yourself down it - then back - then down it again....I think you've got the idea now. There is also a beautiful Rose Garden where yep you've guessed it, roses as far as the eye can see....or at least until the hedge. Amongst the fountains and huge old trees you'll also find a tropical greenhouse with all manner of wild and wonderful tropical plants. And of course to cap it all off you see lots of semi naked men running around in just their shorts trying to catch footballs or frisbees and the like - so pleasant viewing all around.

Christchurch has a lot to offer and the people seem much friendlier than they do in Auckland - also seems to be more happening in terms of the arts and culture scene (ie: there is a scene as opposed to Auckland's lack of one). Again one to recommend.