February 24 — Mt. Cook - Christchurch

Mt Cook The clouds cleared as we hike to Hooker Valley. It was a magnificent view of Mt. Cook. We hiked a windy trail and crossed two suspension bridges. That afternoon, Donna and I went on a scenic flight over 12 glaciers and Mt. Cook. We could see the west coast from the plane. That evening we drove to Christchurch. We all stayed at the Viney's house.

February 25 — Christchurch

Made a picnic lunch and played in the pools at the botanical gardens and in the rain. Then walked around the gardens, smelled the roses and saw a green house. We saw the Avon river, with trout, Mona Vale, and Deans Cottage, the oldest building. We had a delicious lamb dinner with the Viney's

February 26 — Christchurch

Donna and I explored the city center, saw the wizard in the cathedral square, toured the cathedral and walked along the Avon river. Took the bus back and forth from the house. Then went to our first rugby game, Canterbury Crusaders vs. Otaga Highlanders (51-14). We saw the coach for the All Blacks in the stands. A popular player named, Marshall played. It was an exciting game with lots of injured players that were carried off the field.

February 27 — Akaroa

Mrs. Viney drove us to Akaroa. We had cheese at a cheese factory and saw a museum. We walked along the harbor and saw some old houses and streets with French names. We had lunch on the waterfront and then walked to the lighthouse. That evening we had pavlova for tea.

February 28 — Christchurch

I walked into the city center on my own. I got a haircut and had a meat pie at a museum cafe. I saw a good display on Moa birds and the Maori culture at the museum. I then went to the library and used the internet. I found a great wood carving at some souvenir shops. That evening, Donna and I cooked lasagna for the Viney family.

March 1 — Christchurch

Donna and I went to Arts center, museum and outdoor concert. We listened to the New Zealand Puffins, looked at the Antarctica display, then saw the "Hunter and the collectors" there were 30,000 people in the crowd for the free concert. Later we saw the waterfalls of Christchurch.

March 2 — Christchurch

We went to church with the Viney family in the morning and then went to the beach. Last day in New Zealand