Final day with our group tour.

Today we woke up still unable to see Mount Cook so we left an hour early for our trip to Christchurch. On the way here I managed to acquire my second merino wool/possum fir item. I wasn't going to buy much of anything on this trip except maybe a piece of pottery and a bottle of wine but that turned out not to be the case. 

By the way I am now hooked on having English breakfast tea with breakfast and then a soy cappuccino around 10 am. And all their cappuccinos have a sprinkling of chocolate on top. 

We got to see a statue of a dog for all the sheep herding dogs. There are millions and millions of sheep in this country. 

We then proceeded through not exceptionally interesting scenery today. Our first stop was at a lovely rose garden followed by a stop at the botanical gardens. Not sure if my brother in law Jim Smith has been to these gardens but the botanical garden is incredible with the number of species of plants from all over the world. Here is just a couple of my favorite shots from today. 

We drove around Christchurch and although the big earthquake was four years ago much of it is still not rebuilt. 

We checked into another incredible hotel. The George. Cleaned up and headed out to a home hosted dinner by Patsy and Keith. They actually own a company that has 23 or so families that hosts these dinners. Excellent food wine and company. Here are a couple photos of their gardens and the lovely couple. 

Ca,e back to the hotel and look who was waiting for us on the pilow

This is George bear and he is now in our special care. He even has his own Facebook page.   

Tomorrow we pick up a rental car and will drive from the east coast to the west coast through the alps at Arthur's pass. Then will spend almost 2 weeks on our own exploring the north part of the South Island. Should be interesting. I know one thing no more fancy hotels with heating floors in the bathroom like at the George.