Tony's a bit under the weather today....

Rotorura - That fresh spring water can kill ya !   Tony's been feeling punk all day today.  Tummy's just not up to par.  He's been a trooper though.... he hung in there as we did another touristy thing - we went to Te Puia where we learned more about the Maori history and the geothermal geysers and mud pools. 

I drove back to Auckland this afternoon (he drove to Rotorura) to catch our flight to Christchurch.  Of course... wouldn't you know it... we arrived smack dab in the middle of a BIG EVENT !  - NEW ZELAND CUP AND SHOW WEEK  - This annual Christchurch event brings together the best of horse racing, frivolous frocks ‘n hats, fine dining and a few drinks in the sunshine. Throughout Cup Week, Addington and Riccarton Race Courses come alive with racing events and entertainment, including the New Zealand Galloping and Trotting Cups, Ladies Day, Guineas Day and Show Day race meetings. The event is an impressive feature on the New Zealand horse racing calendar, pulling over 125,000 punters to the racetrack for a fling.  Kind of like our Kentucky Derby but they carry on for a week not just a day !.  Our shuttle driver said a group of women that arrived on Sunday had so many hat boxes he almost was not able to get all of their items in the trailer they pull behind the shuttle van !

Anyway... depending on how Tony feels tomorrow (Wednesday, November 11th) we'll either lay low for a day so he can get better or, if whatever bug he had has run its course, we'll be on our way.  Have a few things that have been recommended to us while we're in Christchurch.... Transalpine train is one and I did see a hot air balloon advert that sounded interesting too.  We'll see.... most important... Tony needs to feel better.

Hotel we're in tonight is sold out for tomorrow so I now have to hunt for a hotel close so we can stay another night.... 

More to follow....