Christchurch, Kaikoura and Akaroa

Arrived in Christchurch after a breathtaking  drive along the west coast and through Arthur's Pass on a clear crisp afternoon.  Found a B&B within walking distance of central Christchurch, and said we would spend one night, which has led to four.  The couple are so compatible with us and very interested in world events; we have discussed everything, but still haven't solved the world's problems. 
Into Christchurch on the next morning to a charming vibrant town on a glorious sunny day.  The main square was full of activity,  Egyptian demonstrators celebrating Mubarak's resignation,buskers,  flowers everywhere and people from around the world enjoying this central square.  We rode around on a tram and the tram driver even stopped to allow a bride to pose hanging off the first step wit hthe groom; a very laid back people who truly do enjoy life.  However, sitting over the breakfast table with our hosts Brian and Kay, we realize there are problems in utopia as well. 
In the Botanic Gardens, which some rate as the best in the world, we saw many flowers, but nothing different from the northern hemisphere.  I was surprised that we didn't find different species of flowers, but for the most part we have the same thing in Williamsburg.  I must say that because of their cooler climate, the flowers are more colorful this late in their summer than in our late summer.
After two nights in Christchurch we headed out again to a whaling village where we could see whales, but had to go very early in the am.  We certainly got what we paid for, a show!  We only saw one whale, a sperm whale, but he stayed up on the top for about 15 minutes getting oxygen, and when he was ready to bid adieu, he slapped his big tail on the surface and under he went.  We decided he must be tame!  Then on to dolphin fields where the small white and black mamels were v ery acrobatic.  It was hard to believe we saw all of this on the open ocean.  The winds were furious and the seas were extremely rough with waves going across the bow, and the boart rocking and rolling.  After our early morning venture, all other whale sightings were canceled due to the high winds.  We were so glad we had caught this first morning tour. 
Unfortunately with our camera there are no photos of the whale and only a few of the dolphins that aren't very good..
We have returned to Christchurch to spend the night in our B&B, and off tomorrow on our final day trip to Akaroa, the first French settlement in NZ.
Dropped down into Akaroa literallyl after winding through the mountinas this morning after our night in the B&B in Christchurch.  As usual, breathtaking.  A beautiful seaside village tucked between volcanic activity of long ago.  Seaside cafes, no clouds or humidity, once again beautiful flowers and vistas that were awesome.  I loved the quaint painted houses that were oozing with charm.  We learned how the village came about and then had the most delicious lunch of green lipped mussels with wine  enjoying the glorious day.  Our last day in New Zealand was heavenly.

Whaling boat tour

Dolphins

Our vehicle for two weeks

Our hosts, Brian and Kay Smith