Cold. Miserable. Wet. Dreary. Mary and Kerry-Ann had offered me a hat that said "I Love New Zealand" on the front, but I couldn't fit it in my backpack as it is chockers already and I've got two extra bags now (I have problems fitting into buses and going down stairs without seeing my feet). I think this was a good thing as at the moment it would be a bitterly ironic statement to be wearing. Bitterly being the word - my little fingers are shivering as I type and I've got a scarf and coat on. It was midwinter in Australia, but they only really play at being chilly - here it's the real deal, like the UK in November.

I had a grim night when I arrived as I was on the top bunk in a hostel and it was away from the wall with no rails and so narrow that I had to wake up every time I wanted to turn over as otherwise I would have fallen right out and come a cropper. I can't think the guy in the bunk below had a good sleep either as the entire thing creaked loudly whenever I moved. He was starting at Sandhurst in January though, so I'm sure he's a tough cookie - or I hope he is. My friend Catherine was in the May intake in the same platoon as Harry and it's been interesting getting her email updates.

I tried a couple of other hostels and eventually ended up at a women's only place. I have always steered clear of these before as I like hanging out with guys and I don't see the point of having separate places. The idea brings back memories of working as a camp counsellor at an all-girls summer camp in Pennsylvania a few years ago, and the claustrophobia and sorority-like atmosphere there. As it turned out, though, this hostel was one of the best I've stayed in. There was free laundry, a little garden with herbs you could pick, great kitchens and common rooms and even a resident cat, who came and slept on my bed.

Christchurch was quite nice, but I think my impression was ruined by the rain and murk. I visited the cathedral, Art Gallery and the Canterbury Museum, as well as the Botanical Gardens (not much going on there, pretty much just soil and stumps - I think I've been spoilt in Australia) and the Arts Centre, in the old University of Christchurch campus. I've just booked an Inter-City bus pass and am off to Queenstown tomorrow. Looking forward to amazing scenery and fingers crossed the sun comes out!