Wine, Whales and Wagons

We had a calm ferry crossing but as we neared Marlborough Sound it started to rain. This was the forerunner for the storm we had been warned about. Luckily it did not hit us with any force until just after we disembarked. Our accommodation was the Rarangi Beach House we had previously stayed in so at least we weren't having to check where we were going as we drove to there. We arrived and unloaded our overnight bits just in time, as we closed the front door the full storm hit. Making a very noisy night for us with strong winds and torrential rain buffeting the building. Understand what all the warnings were about now.

(By coincidence I am writing this to the sound of wind gusts almost as strong as that night. But we are in the mountains so that's expected!).

The heavy rain eased off in time for the sun to try and break through around mid morning. We took this as a sign of better weather to come and went for a long walk along the deserted beach.

This was the reason we came back here. The wild windswept nature of the beach was a peaceful place to be, especially after the storm. Unfortunately the owners had told us last time that they had no intention of moving from here so we couldn't even dream of it becoming ours. During our walk we looked at the other beach front houses, but none captured our imagination in the same way.

Having visited a lot of the local places (and wineries) last time we had a few things we wanted to do this time. So we headed out, unsuccessfully, to try and hire a kayak from around the Wairou Lagoons, and ended up deciding to go for a walk there instead. The only walk we found started beside water sewerage works and continued on duck-boarding for miles across salt marshes. Not very inspiring.

Next day was a bike ride, with a difference, on the vineyard bike trail. We decided to hire a Renwick Roadster (see picture). More of a social than serious ride which seemed a more appropriate way to visit wineries. Weather was hot and sunny, but the cycling was leisurely, and the wine varied and good, and the lunchtime cheese board was tasty. Perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, especially with a table booked at Allan Scotts restaurant for dinner, where we had a lovely alfresco meal in the warm evening.

We had been advised that we really did have to visit a particular winery in the area, one that is a well known brand in the UK. So we did on our last day in Blenheim. It was a bit of a drive, a large portion of which was through their vineyards. It is difficult to visualise how many hectares of vines this winery and the other wineries have planted. Their Cellar Door and Restaurant was built into the side/ top of a hill from which it had a view of its vines for as far as you could see. There was still enough time for a last walk on the beach and a fish and chip supper before we had to return and pack. Early start tomorrow.

Next morning we were so grateful SH1 had been reopened, only a few days before the storm had caused it to be closed again. We remembered how long the detour was when we headed North and didn't want a repeat of that. There is still a lot of work for the road crew to do, with barriers along long sections of the road. Bobby found this disappointing as she only managed to catch glimpses of the large seal colony that was along the side of the road. And we couldn't stop to take photo's!!

Finally we reached our destination the Kaikoura Whale Watch Centre. We were early and so they wouldn't say if our trip was going ahead, but when we returned later it was ok, the weather out at sea was

good, the boat was going. Imagine our relief after the cancellation last time. The trip was a real success. ln addition to Albatrosses and other seabirds we saw a sperm whale both on the journey out and the one back. The highlight was seeing two blue whales. Amazing to see such beautiful and majestic creatures particularly for the length of time we did. They seemed to be in no rush to hurry away. There are approximately 4,000 blue whales so seeing two was extra special. And we felt honored.

All too soon the trip was over and we were heading south to our nights accommodation. SH1 closed at 8.00pm for overnight repairs, which we had forgotten, luckily we managed to get thru this no more than 10 minutes before hand, otherwise we would have been sleeping in the car as there was no accommodation available in Kaikoura.

It took us a couple of day's driving, mostly through rain, to arrive at Christchurch, where our next accommodation was located in one of the suburbs. First we had some things we needed to do in the city centre. Unfortunately in our time there it was raining heavily. Very

shortly after we left the car my feet were squelching in my sandals, (my feet got so dirty with all that water). We stayed for a number of days in a garden house in a suburb on the edge of the city, owned by a local artist, whose studio Bobby visited and had a very interesting discussion about the different techniques she used. Bobby can enlighten you more on these, (by appointment only :-)).

I had only ever visited Christchurch airport before so it was good to discover how nice the city and surrounding area's are. We revisited the city to see the earthquake damaged cathedral and its temporary cardboard replacement, the Arts Centre, and Gallery. It is so sad, after 7 years, to see how much destruction there is visible. With many vacant lots and shored up buildings including the Cathedral. Nature can be so destructive.

Outside of the city we particularly liked Sumner Beach and visited this a couple of times. There was a beachside cafe/bar/restaurant that was beautifully positioned on the edge of the sand. Food was good and as the weather, which had improved, and as the sun was out we had to eat there on the decking, one of the days.

We drove out to Akaroa, a town with a harbour nestled in the heart of

an ancient volcano, where we had booked a boat trip in the hope that we would see some Hector Dolphin's. A species that is only found in New Zealand. The skipper of the boat was a knowledgeable local who was able to impart lots of information. It was a really hot day so it was nice to be out on the water for a few hours. We again were lucky and saw not only seals but Hector Dolphin's and Blue Penguins in the water.

All too soon the main purpose for being in Christchurch was upon us. Returning the car and collecting the camper van, our home for the second part of our trip. This all went well, but luckily we had started early in the day as we also needed to shop for bits that would make our stay more comfortable, such as a bed topper.

Now these are purchased we are ready to set sail again on the road.