Day 114 - Kia ora, NZ; g'day, Sydney!

Edwin's trusty Hanmer Springs-to-Christchurch (including the airport, thankfully) shuttle bus is efficient and speedy.  He picked us up at 8am for a gorgeous last look at the mountains

and we were in Chch by mid-morning for our 15.45 Air NZ flight  Plenty of time for the finale to the NZ leg of the double-points-for-holiday-themed-words Scrabble tussle.  Including Duncan's knock-out blow on the RHS triple score...

Shocking crosswinds at Christchurch airport meant a goodly delay and eventually a very bumpy take-off, but the round-the-world odometer continues to click round with the 1,319 miles (2,123 km) from Chch to Sydney. And into a bee-oo-tiful Aussie day - and just look at this view from Fiona and Gordon's terrace.  Not going to get bored of that!