11th March

Flying just after sunrise we had spectacular views of the North Island and then Marlborough Sounds. We came into land at Christchurch just as it had started to rain so we didn't get to see the glaciers plus it was freezing.

Flying over Marlborough Sound -
both NZ islands visible; South immediately below; North on horizon

The Holiday Inn staff were very helpful when we arrived. They upgraded us because our room wasn't ready. The next available room was on the top floor and still being cleaned.

So we left our bags at reception and wandered the streets of Christchurch in the rain, seeking refuge and a bite to eat in a Greek Cafe. We both tucked into a Giant Souvlaki ( A fresh made hot meat and salad sarnie wrapped with a large pita bread) and fully refreshed returned to the hotel. We got our bags and key and made our way upstairs - we only got the blooming Presidential Suite!

It was massive - with a double door to enter, a kitchen, a large dining area, a sofa and large TV, study desk,  a guest WC and a massive bedroom with enormous en-suite and jacuzzi bath!

We rushed out to get supplies - namely a bottle of bubbly and a roast chicken with salad for tea and treated ourselves to a damn good wash and brush up with a hair dryer for me and a shave for Paul! We were set for our flight back to OZ the next morning.

Presidential suite at Christchurch Holiday Inn;
cost = free (loyalty points), reason for enormous room = unknown (luck?)

Christchurch