ROAD TRIP TO CHRISTCHURCH

We set off early and enjoyed the drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch. We booked into the Youth Hostel,then headed out to explore the city.
It is the south islands biggest city and is often described as the most English of New Zealand's cities.
We checked out the grand Anglican cathedral in the centre and hopped onto the tram which takes you around the touristy parts of Christchurch.
It did a circuit of the city, past the river Avon and grand parks and schools. We stopped off at the old university, which has been turned into an arts centre. There was a weekend market on which was very vibrant ,with lots of unusual things on sale and a variety of ethnic foodstalls.
The next day we headed out for a ride on the Gondola to the top of mount Cavendish.
It overlooks Christchurch,Lyttelton harbour and the southern alps. We were fortunate to get some stunning views over Christchurch with the mist settling in the valley below.
We could see a road high up on the mountain to the left of us, so we set out to find out where it went.

And we were treated to some even more spectacular views from suger Loaf pass.
We had a walk around the top, but unfortunately we had to find our way back down to take the hire car back. But I am glad that we ventured off the beaten track to explore.