Christchurch, Thursday the 28th...

Thursday was our last day in Christchurch. We took the bus to the Gondola ride, which takes you up to the rim of the volcano that created Lyttleton Harbor. It was quite overcast when we left Christchurch, and when we got to the top of the Gondola, and looked towards Lyttleton Harbor, all we saw was fog! However, as we walked around the walkway to see the 360 degree view, and got back around to the other side, the fog had cleared, and the harbor was there, complete with cruise ships!

We had a latte and a scone, then did a walk around the rim trail before heading back down to catch the bus back to Christchurch. We met Jo's sister, Carolyn at the bus station, and the three of us headed off to Sumner, a beachside community for lunch.

It was clear at the top of the crater rim, but, typical of the coastside in summer, it was foggy in Sumner. But not cold, and we had a wonderful lunch, looking out over ocean. After lunch we had a walk around Sumner, then took the bus back to Christchurch, where we visited the new Art Gallery.

There were many amazing exhibitions and we really enjoyed spending time there. They kicked us out at 5:00 pm, so we went for a coffee before Carolyn had to head home.

We totally enjoyed spending time with Carolyn, and had a great afternoon - a wonderful last day in Christchurch!

After we saw Carolyn off we went back to the motel and did laundry! Friday we were off on the train to Greymouth, and thought it might be a good idea to have a suitcase full of clean clothes instead of dirty!

So, tomorrow - the train trip through the southern alps and Greymouth!

Looking back at Christchurch from the tram

Looking out to sea - the Pacific ocean.

Looking down the gondola ride.

Part of the walk along the rim trail.

Lyttleton Harbor! This is the main harbour on the east coast of the south island. If you make the picture bigger, you can see the cruise ships at the left of the picture.

The seaside community of Sumner.

This is one of the exhibits at the Art Gallery - it's comprised of plastic bottles and fluorescent tube bulbs, and is entitled "Pacific Jetsam", after the pile of debris that's floating around in the Pacific.

Lee and Carolyn. We're waiting for the tea, but you can see the chocolate "ooey-gooey" on the table, waiting to be eaten! We shared it.

Carolyn and Pat.

Thanks so much, Carolyn, for such a lovely afternoon!