Some of the flowers were out of season, but fortunately the cream cake wasn’t!
Only three days left in New Zealand and still so much left to see and do! Our next stop was the famous Fairlie Bakery to fuel up on pastries for a day of adventure before heading for a stroll around the rhododendron gardens down the road in Geraldine. Then we set off north along Route 72, skirting the central New Zealand hills to Rakaia Gorge.
According to our guide books, the 12km walk along the gorge was one of the best day walks in the Canterbury region. There was however one thing our trip in the South Island had been lacking so far. For the last two weeks we hadn’t been on a single run! As a result (and as we had a lot of distance to cover) we decided to switch hiking shoes for running shoes. Although some of the steep hills defeated us, it was a great way to see the gorge, and we just managed to get back to the van before it started to rain!
That afternoon we journeyed east, past Christchurch, to the Banks peninsular. This peninsular is full of beautiful natural bays and mountain ridges created by two volcanic eruptions from the now extinct craters. We took the scenic drive around the spectacular crater rim, before arriving in the beautiful harbour town Akaroa.
Akaroa is unique for two reasons. Firstly, the town thinks it’s in France. An old French colony that is certainly proud of its roots; French flags line the Rues, with bakeries and coffee shops lining the sea front. Secondly, the bay is home to world’s smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphins.
After a relaxed evening eating up the last of our supplies, we were up bright and early for an 8am catamaran trip, and a morning swim with a difference. After donning on wetsuits and a morning briefing we were off onto the water in search of some friendly dolphins. Sadly, whilst we saw a few family groups of Hector’s dolphins during our 2 hour trip, none of them were making the signs of wanting to play. Instead we got slightly sea sick in the stormy weather, and in all honesty were quite glad when we turned back for shore. We will have to leave swimming with dolphins for another trip!
Back on dry land, we headed off to our final Kiwi destination; Christchurch. New Zealand was obviously sad that we were leaving as that afternoon the heavens opened, making cleaning the inside of the van before our departure the next day a more attractive activity than a city walk in torrential rain! With our chores done and the rain subsiding, we did make it out into the city that evening. We took a mini walk through the city and then settled down to a fantastic final meal at Fiddlesticks bar and restaurant.
And so it was so long New Zealand! Epic doesn’t begin to describe it!
Claire and Gareth go travelling! 