For a supposed city, it doesn’t come across as too metropolitan. There’s no skyscraper in sight, and a generally very relaxing city to chill in. It’s the biggest city in New Zealand’s South Island, and was established in 1850 by English settlers, notably Anglicans. Its English heritage shows in the older buildings, especially the Anglican Cathedral in the Square in the very center of the city. The River Avon flows through the central city and disrupts the regular rectangular layout of the city streets. It also acts as a major point for people starting or ending their stay in the South Island.

I particularly like the Cathedral Square which rests right in the middle of the city. If I ever had to built a city, I’ll make sure there is a square to chill smack in the city centre.

People will just sit around relaxing, watching the street performers, eat from the various stalls and market setups, or even listen to a street preacher. It’s fantastic! Everyone just congregates there.

Or even play chess.

And when you’re in Christchurch, do take the tram. It takes you round the city on a 2 day unlimited pass, which means if you’re lazy to walk, you take the tram. It’s old school.

And from there, go visit the Christchurch Art Gallery.

I’m not a fan of art, but the building itself is pretty spectacular I would say.

If you feel like it, you can take a punt down the River Avon. It’s a relaxed ride, with the punter giving a commentary of stuff we passed by. You don’t even have to listen, you can just close your eyes, look at the river, play with the ducks, and believe everything is wonderful again, Everclear style.

Overall, Christchurch is a nice city to be in. Not too crowded, enough walking and cycling space, good public transport systems, and nice people in general. The photos don’t actually do enough justice to the city, so do google the city up yourself if you plan to visit the place.

Plus, we managed to catch Paramore while in Christchurch. That will be an update for another day.

I started out by flying Air Asia to Melbourne, and then flying Jetstar to Christchurch. Believe me when I say it’s cheaper than flying straight to Auckland with any other airline.

From Christchurch, we visited Oamaru, followed by Dunedin, and then Invercargill - All taken by bus. Then we rented a car and drove to Te Anau on the Southern Scenic Route, embraced Milford Sound, then dropped the car off in Queenstown.

After that, it’s a short bus ride to Cromwell, hung around for 4 hours, and then to Wanaka. A long bus ride to Fox Glacier begun, and then it’s another long bus ride to Greymouth, where we took the Transalpine train service that goes through, well, the alpines all the way back to Christchurch.

Then it’s another bus up to Kaikoura, another bus to Nelson, another bus to Picton, then a ferry that took us up to the North Island city of Wellington. From Wellington, it’s another long journey to stinking Rotorua, a bus to Auckland, another bus further up to Paihia, and then it was back to Auckland. From Auckland, we flew on Virgin Blue to Gold Coast, Australia, and flew Air Asia back to good old KL.

So, after 37 days, 19 cities/towns, 20 hostels, 10,000 bus miles, the trip was done. Sounds too fast? Well, it is.

Let’s see, counting from the day I actually stopped working, which was mid February, until now - It’s almost 3 months!

As the kiwis say, sweet as. (Refer here or here.)

Of which 5 fantastic weeks were spent in New Zealand, and another 2 weeks trying to help out with this couple’s wedding. Did I say try?

Over the course of the next week, I’m gonna try to put up some photos & do the usual travel updates to fill up my time. Only highlights will be up, eh?

On the other hand, anyone needs a part timer teaching Excel to aunties, or to make & serve coffee?

Not only you’ve got to drive passengers from Point A to B, you’ve got to:
- Know your history of the route you’re driving
- Understand the geographical location of the area
- Explain the geological changes that occurred to that particular landscape
- Drive safely (Hardest part I think)

and most importantly, be funny. Be it sarcastically or cynically.

Sounds like a whole lotta fun!

Especially leaps of faith.