Amazing walk today. I decided to take the gondola outside Christchurch to the top of mountain and  then walk down the old bridle trail.  The trail has been  in use since the 1850s as early settlers used it to walk between the harbor in Lyttelton and over the ridge to Christchurch. Got to the Gondola at 10 am sharp only to be told that it needed maintenance and would open at 10:30. There  was a little 6 year old who was having a birthday party and he and his mates were very upset as this was obviously something he was really excited about. At 10:30 they announced it would be 11:00. Apparently the kids had to be at school at 1:00 so the party was cancelled . Now if it had been my kid and he was crying as loudly as this one was I would have said something but not here. These NZ folks are so laid back and understanding about everything.  Anyhow eventually they got it running.  

The 360 view really is amazing.  Those aren’t clouds in the distance but snow covered peaks. I snapped a few pics, had a coffee and then started walking back down. Wow those pioneers must have been really fit. The trail was incredibly steep and once or twice I slid on my ass and even damaged my shin ( picture provided ) but I persevered and eventually reached the bottom of the hill. Of course it was a bit humbling when the group of seniors passed me going up the hill. These folks are really fit ! I don’t know who George Seymour is but I was grateful for his bench.  Now off the the sheep farm for a two night stay!  Anyhow pics of the view , the trail , the seniors and even George’s bench.