08.22.06
Day18 The Plains of Canterbury…
Had scenic tour of Auckland airport – the long term car park is no where near the domestic terminal !!! 
but after we’d checked in there was time for a yummy Raspberry and white choc muffin before bording our Quantas jet to Christchurch.
It was great to fly in daylight and be in a seat where I could actually see something! 
The Southern Alps run down most of the South Island – and the bits we flew over were covered in snow! But then you just hit flatness … like agreat big patchwork quilt – and thats Canterbury!
We were met at the airport by M’s brother Craig and his wife Sam 
(Craig was in his uniform so I actually felt a bit like royalty with a military escort 
) – we drove out to see the land M’s Mum and Dad have bought to build a house on to retire to just outside of Christchurch – you get a lovely view of the Southern Alps from there …. 
Then it was over to Sam and Craig’s place to meet their 2 sheep (Daphne and Rosie – we think!! 
) who are due to have lambs soon and the 2 cats Blue and Pepper – but the star of the show had to be Monty the dog – I think he’s a bull dog of some kind (and my Tour Guide 
hasn’t a clue either!) What a character – like a little grumpy old man who fell asleep as soon as he got into his basket – with some tremendous snoring … reminded me of someone … 