Settlers Inn Motel Hanmer Springs

... from rheumatism to the pox. Well, I can tell you when I got out I counted my toes and all eleven of them were still intact.<br> <br>There are obviously no photos of the spa as it's not socially acceptable, even in New Zealand, to take a camera with a zoom lens into an environment where people are donned in bathing costumes - your imagination will have to suffice! (Well to be honest, Louise made me put the camera back in the locker!)<br><br><br><br>

... like tips. They get paid a full salary from the restaurant. Even if you wanted to tip, you wouldn't know who to tip because no one really helps you. It is less expensive to go out to eat, but you have to love good service! Oh, Chicago, how I miss you. <br> <br><br>The next day I tried desperately to get an Internet connection to skype with my girlfriends who were having a Girls Weekend in Bettendorf. One of the few ...

... daylight vodaphone robbery. There was a break in teh rain as we trundled through the countryside towards Hanmer. Shortly into the journey we saw the reason for the siren. The Fire brigade had been required to cut somebody out of a battered car in a field. The rain started up again for the wiggliest aprt of the journey through beech forests and then we had lovely sunshine descending into the alpine valleys. We stopped for a ...

Up early and on the mountain road to Hanmer Springs along the Lewis Springs highway which pretty much meant that Jake rarely got out of 3rd gear ! We had an interesting moment when the fridge popped open of its own accord ditching the contents onto the floor, a short pitstop and some masking tape and we were on our ...

... pools, temperatures ranging from 35 - 41 degrees, really good for the aching legs. On the drive up to Hanmer we passed a number of cars that were covered in dust and wondered why, After the drive tothe start of the walk all became clear, the approach is via tracks that were very dry and dusty, we now need to find a car wash!!! A lovely first day, very sunny and 21 degrees.

We headed north out of Christchurch early the next morning and arrived in yet another asolutely gorgeous town scenery wise, as well as a great time for wildlife for us! I loved Kaikora, it is a must must of New Zealand, much like everywhere else so far and probably all the places I've missed!! As we drove in we stopped off at the beach, where there on the rocks, unfazed by our presence 5m away from them, where a ...

... hours drive ish back to Christchurch and as poor brad wasnt able for another nite out myself and karl hit the bog for dinner and a few drinks and we met up with a few of our housemates and friends in Finns for a few more drinks fairly late... Probably should have went late to work monday cos at this stage i was lacking in sleep big time.

... a small town set on a peninsula and as its name suggests sea-life is plentiful. Just offshore the seabed drops away rapidly to the Kaikoura Canyon. This phenomenon brings sea mammals in large numbers, particularly dolphins and whales. I stayed at the Dusky Lodge Hostel, a place I highly recommend for a relaxed, homely atmosphere, sauna, spa, swimming pool, log fire and a very tasty Thai restaurant. I hired a bike and took a ...