11/2/2018: Time to slow down

The night alone in a dorm room in a queen-sized bed, the mattress of which I can barely grasp with outstretched arms and lying on my stomach, was wonderfully comfortable, although I had to wear earplugs because of the traffic noise. When I wake up early in the morning, the motivation to get up quickly crawls under the bed, considering the heavy rain and the fact that it doesn't get really bright. I let it go until just after 8:00 am, but unfortunately I have to check out in two hours. The only bright spot: I can see Isa again before I leave.

We meet in Temuka, 17 km away. After strolling along the main street once, which only takes a few minutes, we make ourselves comfortable in a café with cocoa and pastries. Actually, the Rakaia Gorge was on my list for today, but according to a local, it's not worth seeing in the rain. Rather than being disappointed again, like at Lake Clearwater, I decide to skip it. Just before 1:00 pm, I set off and drive to the Old Countryhouse Backpackers, located two kilometers from the center of Christchurch. Unfortunately, my preferred hostel, Haka Lodge, had no more availability, so I reluctantly chose this one due to the relaxed parking situation. It's okay, but despite the good rating, it doesn't rate as one of the best backpacker accommodations in New Zealand in my eyes. I had imagined something else for my last days on New Zealand soil, but then saying goodbye might have been even harder than it already is.