We landed in Christchurch on Monday evening, which had become Tuesday morning by the time we had changed our watches forward two hours. What we saw in the air, was later confirmed on the ground—Christchurch is the most planned city in the southern hemisphere. Streetlight patterns show long straight lines or sweeping circles. The bus to the airport follows an arterial road that goes dead straight as far as the eye can see. Every fifth street corner has a church or other ecclesiastical building.

We flew Freedom Air to Christchurch and then Qantas to Auckland. Really the only difference is you get free snacks on Qantas. They’re both cramped 737s with no skills.

The first thing I noticed about Auckland is how much it is like Sydney. American fast food everywhere, and lots of New Zealanders. We saw the skyline at night from atop the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere.

Many photos are taken, but I have taken the stand and refused to photograph a store called “Baan”. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see the point.

Smo out.