Christchurch

New Zealand is home to the world one-day multisport championship, known as the Coast to Coast (sponsored by Speights). It takes place in the south island, and racers go from one coast to the other, by means of road cycling, mountain running, and down giver kayaking. The total distance of the race is over 200km, and usually takes the winner about 11.5 hours. Needless to say, its much harder than the Ironmans.

We headed down to Sumner Beach (about 15 minutes out of Christchurch) to watch the finish line. It was pretty awesome watching all the 'pro' Kiwi mutlisport guys finishing, and also how much the fans cared about outdoors sports (as opposed to Canada).

(The finish line at Sumner, enjoying a complimentary Speight's beer from the race director)

(Waching the winner run in after 11+ hours, 200+ kms, and climbing the Southern Alps)

After the race was over we headed to the rugby arena to watch a Super 14 game, with the local powerhouse Catenbury (they have a lot of the All-Blacks). It was an amazing game which went right down to the wire with an 'up and under' try to seal the deal for the local team. The atmoshphere was hilarious, as I think every single person had a Tui beer in hand. Well, maybe that was because we were sitting in the cheapest section, the special "Tui Beer Section".

(Waching Super 14 in an outdoor stadium)

We went out after the game, and didn't get back to the hostel until 3:30am. We then had to wake up at 6:00am to catch a bus to Queenstown. I don't even need to describe how horrible that was.