I have just had a wonderful half an hour jetboating at Rakaia gorge. The river there is turqouise and the scenary was absolutely stunning. We did 360 degree spins (yes I got wet!) and came terrifyingly close to the rocks. It was so much fun. There was one moment when it got bumpy and hurt my bones, but the rest of the time it was very smooth and comfortable - just terrifying!
The day before yesterday I was a tourist and did a Lord of the Rings tour to Mount Sunday, where they filmed the Edoras scenes. We were in a Land Rover and were driven through rivers, and right up onto the mountain. I am thrilled to say I climbed the five minute walk right up to the top. The 'mountain' (actually a rock deposited by a glacier) was in the middle of a valley. It has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and I'm so glad to have done the trip, which I only did because there was no hot air ballon flight that day (there has been low cloud every day). We had a champagne picnic for lunch and saw a dvd about the filming of the Edoras scenes, which you can see if you have a copy of the Two Towers (it's in the extras section).
Tomorrow it will either be hot air ballooning (unlikely), the International Busking Festival in Christchurch (unlikely) or a day in bed (likely!). I am happy with whatever, it has been a great week. A little bit strange to think I will be 26 in a few hours.
Two and half weeks till I get home.
