After Kaikora we headed south again but first we had a look around town. Just as we had hoped we came across more seals basking on the rocks and here we were able to walk up close but not too close as they may bite if disturbed. We also walked up to the lookout with more great views of the sea and the mountains, snow-capped in the background.
After lunch at a winery, much sampling and delightful meals we arrived in Christchurch and again saw many No Vacancy signs but were directed to a nice clean motel with pleasant hosts, free washing and drying (even offfering to take the wash down when it was dry on the line), free internet and advice about Bali.
After checking in we were directed to the Botanic Gardens then hopped the free shuttle bus for a trip around the downtown and did a little shopping before going out for dinner.
On Wednesday we finished up our shopping, did the laundry and headed out to the Banks Peninsula to see if we could find their little penguins. No luck with penguins but we did have a great drive, up and down and around the mountains to a little village with a french background called Akourea. The Shell station didn't sell gas it sold "essence". We took the "Scenic Drive" along the ridges of the mountains, very scenic and, I'll admit pretty scarey. Don't forget I'm driving on the wrong side of the road, they're maybe just wide enough for 2 cars, no centre line and no guard rails. I'm sure the drop, 2 metres from the car, was 1000 feet at some points. You'll have to see the pictures.
Evening is family time in New Zealand so the shops and many of the restaurants close down. We couldn't dine as planned at the Hilltop Restaurant (great view) as they closed at 5 but were directed to a fabulous spot (The Old Vicarage - mark it down Rollie) close to Christchurch. 2 gourmet meals with local wines and beer in a garden setting for $70 NZ (about $55 Cdn.)
Today was a travel day. We returned the car early for a rebate, checked the luggage and walked across the Parking Lot to Antarctic Adventures. Cheryl got to see her penguins (Blue Penguins and Chinstrap Penguins). We made it in time for feeding and got a close up look and great photos. Better than in the wild I bet and no driving down cliff faces to try to find them either. We passed on the simulated Antarctic Storm where they blew real snow at you and with the wind the temp. dropped to minus 20 C. (They provided parkas and booties as they didn't want anyone to get dirt on their snow.) If we wanted snow we could have stayed home. (Hope it stops snowing for you Jamie.) The rest of the display was pretty neat too.
After a four hour flight and again setting our watches two hours back we checked into the Best Western hotel and had a little walk around downtown. Tomorrow we explore Melbourne!
It's now Sat. the 23rd and we've decided to spend another day in Mebourne. There's so much to do and see. It's bigger than Toronto though we're limiting ourselves to the downtown core. Free buses and trollies around the core to get around but still lots of walking. Good thing too as we are also eating and drinking well. These NZ and Ausssies sure know how to cook!
Yesterday we spent several hours at the Victoria Market a huge complex of stalls selling everything from live ducklings to Opals. You can get opals (small but still pretty) for as little as $10. We avoided that, so far, but picked up some souvenirs at really goood prices. I can't see how Hong Kong will be cheaper (but we'll find out). We'll have to watch our weight allowance for the next flights.
We're taking in a symphony concert under the stars tonight and train travel to Geelong (sort of like Hamilton is to Toronto) then we'll investigate by car some of the Great Ocean Road. It's supposed to be spectacular! After that we'll take a ferry ride across Port Phillip harbour to Phillip Island to see the penguins come in from the sea.
Melbourne Hotels
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