Visit New Zealand - Day Four

I chat to some medical reps from Australia at breakfast at my hotel and discover that one has a son who lives in Sheffield (‘small world’ example #2). I have another meeting at the conference for most of today, where I randomly bump into a junior doctor from the hospital in Sheffield! I had no idea he or the rest of the research team were here - nice of my boss to tell me! He invites me out to dinner with the rest of the gang. Yay! After the conference, I do a bit more shopping and sightsee around New Regent Street (left).

Later I get dressed up and meet the others at their hotel bar where we chat and have a few beers. Following a bit of a hunt for a likely restaurant we finally settle on eating at Tandoori Palace on Cathedral Square; it’s very average Indian food but they forget to charge us for drinks so at least it’s very cheap!

Most people retreat to their hotels after dinner, but Anand, Sammy and I decide to venture to Christchurch Casino (right). I have no idea what I'm doing so watch Anand play a few hands of blackjack. He then gives me $10 and encourages me to have a go. I'm a natural and by midnight, I’ve proceeded increase my money ten-fold! I can't believe I've won $100! Knowing I have to be up early, I split my winnings with the lads and go back to my hotel - my last night before the real adventure begins.