We’re back in Britain 2 months early. Oh no it’s Christchurch, New Zealand! Could so easily be Britain: punts on river; striped blazer uniform of city’s private school; model boat club racing on the lake; names like, River Avon, Oxford Terrace, Cambridge Terrace. Even weather’s reminiscent of the UK. Landed at Auckland and waited for terminal shuttle bus in grey chilly-morning drizzle. Generous heat of Western Australia melted to sobering British summertime temperatures. Fleeces, long trousers, socks and shoes all reinstated as useful apparel [photo]. Long haul to get here, no direct flight from Perth, went via Auckland. 6-hour wait for connecting plane to Christchurch. Kids a little restless. All tired and irritable. Time difference 5 hours, body clocks still not adjusted. Ben, in particular, alive well beyond 10pm. Ugh! Celebrated Ben’s birthday (he asked "Where are all the people?"). Failed on day itself. Left it too late to find cake, and chose café with food kids didn’t like. Huh! Made up for it next day with KFC party bucket, balloons, and chocolate cake with candles [photo] [photo]. Day spent in Hagley Park playground and in Christchurch library reading stories and playing computer games (a great place!). Staying a walk through the park away from city centre. Have done route several times, today got lost. Ended up going round in circles, found ourselves back where we’d already been several times [photo]. Stopped, sat down and ate remnants of Ben’s cake. Found our way after that. Hopefully not a bad omen for 2 week’s car hire of exploring South Island coming up. High season and available accommodation sparse so invested in a tent and camping gear, just in case.