New Zealand March/April 2012 - South Island

We arrived back in London yesterday after a great but exhausting holiday in NZ with a tactical and enjoyable stop over in Abu Dhabi on the way home.

It's been over 3 weeks (longer for Jackie) so I'm going to split the blogs in to South Island (the first bit) and North Island (the second bit) and Abu Dhabi (the last bit) - a trilogy, a bit like Lord of the Rings - (long and a bit pointless but great entertainment nonetheless) 

Without further adieu here goes...

I arrived in to Christchurch as fresh as can be expected after 30 hours of flying and airports. My last couple of legs of the flight I had four seats to my self so was able to sleep. I picked up Jackie from the airport later that day. After settling in our motel we went down to the mall to pick up some food and kiwi treats. Next morning before heading off I went for a jog. We didn't see too much earthquake damage.

Packing up for road trip to Akaroa

Drive to Akaroa, had to ask at the info centre in Akaroa where Marsh and Fee's wedding was, being NZ they knew of course. The venue was amazing, the accommodation very good. I got there in time for a pie and the rehearsal. BBQ on the Friday night was a great opportunity to catch up with many friends.

Our view of the action at Akaroa

Sat morning, Marsh and Fee's big day. I started with a run which was a bit stupid because we were up a very steep hill which was hard enough to run down. I ran to the lighthouse and back seeing more of Akaroa town along the way. It was an amazing morning for a run in Akaroa, such a picturesque place. I struggled up the hill, and we managed to drive into town for some brunch and a coffee - the food was ok, coffee alright, service was very friendly but it took ages! I was getting nervous about not getting back to the venue in time to perform my best man duties.

I did get back in time, it was a great day, pretty much everything went off without a hitch and the weather was spectacular. Theo behaved reasonably well for Jackie and she had some help from our friends who were there.

The next day, after a final catch up with many friends we hit the road to drive to Dunedin. It was a great road trip, Theo was reasonably good. By the time we got to Dunedin the weather had turned quite bad and it was pouring down. It was great to see Jill and family, they were all very excited to meet Theo.

Aunty Jill and cousin Alex getting to know Theo

Having a snooze with cousin Millie

Looking happy and smart with the rellies 

Monday the kids had the day off school and we met with Rua for lunch at Customhouse restaurant by the wharf.

Tuesday Jill, Jackie, Theo and myself walked down to St Kilda for lunch at Starfish Cafe which was great, photos below. Highlights included Emerson's Pale Ale, Cheese Roll, Flat White, Kumara Cakes, the sun, chilling out with good company. I managed to get a bit too much sun while enjoying my time here.

Emerson's Pale Ale and family

Ginger Crunch

Cheese Roll. My first experience, it was good, we probably should have ordered one each because I got left with the smallest bit. 

Just chilling in the sun at Starfish cafe

Down the road from the cafe at St Kilda beach

Wednesday we went to the local bakery, picked up some lunch and drove out to Port Chalmers and Aromoana. The town of Aramoana is famous for the David Gray massacre of 1990 but the town is a very picturesque, rugged spot, shame it's got such a negative association for many. The weather was clear again although quite breezy. We found a great sheltered spot on a deserted beach to have our lunch. In Port Chalmers we found a great cafe for coffee and cake before heading back to Dunedin.

Beach at Aramoana, it was extremely windy but that doesn't really come across in the photo

Lunch spot on the road from Aramoana to Pt Chalmers

An idyllic spot, Jill even dipped her toe in the water

Bakery lunch on the beach, nice

This photo probaby gives the best idea of the fact that it was still pretty cold and windy

At a cafe in Pt Chalmers

Citrus slice and 'Tan' slice

Thursday was road trip back to Chch and flight to Auckland, which all went quite smoothly. Lunch (pie) in Timaru.


So that is the end of Part 1 in this trilogy. Stay tuned for part 2 (and 3) I'll try and get them posted asap so you don't have to be kept in suspense.