Chrischurch, NZ

We arrived in Christchurch after a long day of traveling and have been here a couple of days. Our hotel is called the Chateau on the Park but its not as nice as the name makes it out to be. Comfortable, but dated. But New Zealand is beautiful Cold though, but thats ok becuase I cam prepared with sweatpants and uggs. Our first day we mostly walked around the town of Christchurch- it is quite quaint, almost a Vermonty feel. Its more of a British Vermont mix. There is a beautiful park next to our hotel (its huge and has a golf course within it) which we walked around and in the Botanical Gardens. We ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant (!!!) which was surprisingly delicious, even though we are so far from Mexico.
Today was our first big day trip to Hamner Springs. The morning started with a scenic drive up into the mountains. We stopped at a sheep farm where I got to shear a baby lamb! (pictured) He was so cute. They also showed us how the herding dogs round up the sheep. The farmer was so nice and very New Zealandy- it was cool to meet a real local sheep farmer. Its kinda of what New Zealand is known for, so I was excited and really felt that I was there.
Then we went to Hamner Springs, these thermal pools that have been commercialized, but are still pretty cool. It was freezing out and raining, so it was amazing to go into a outdoor hot tub. After that we got a massage which came with out day trip. We could have gone jet-boating ot white water rafting, but since it was about 50 degrees and raining, we opted for the massage. On the way back we stopped a small winery for some wine tasting which was fun, and Mom hadnt done it before so she loved it. She of course bought 2 bottles for us to drink in the room (and we only have 3 days left....).
Tomorrow we are going on a tour that wil bring us to a seaside town where I will swim with dolphins! Cant wait! More updates to come...