South Island

Bags packed! Trains, ferry, cars……..they will be included. We are off on a trip on the South Island of New Zealand. When you wake up in the morning , full of energy,  I hope, you will be all ready to start your day. Today’s road trip goes:

Christchurch ….Lyttelton…..breakfast………Akaroa…….snack(lunch if you didn’t eat much breakfast)………….Timaru

Lyttelton is the main port for Christchurch. Vast amounts of timber are shipped from here. Much of the port was destroyed in the last earthquake especially many of the historical buildings. Some of the smaller wooden shops survived so the streetscape is similar to 1950’s style ,but there are gaps. Once large brick or stone buildings sat there.
If you want to get fit, this is the town for you! Wow , are the streets steepI wonder if there is something missing in this billboard…..Loons or perhaps looney toons?

It has become a little bohemian, lots of coffee shops , interesting clothing shops ….tempted yes, but no , I did show restraint.

I loved the display in this book shop!

It is a bit of a hike to Akaroa from Lyttelton …..via the scenic route. The views of the coast are beautiful…then you enter the peninsula. Tall manicured windbreaks line many of the field. Necessary I guess to keep the sheep, cattle or crops protected from the cold winds in winter. Someone must be very enterprising with a big machine that mows the sides of the trees and then gives them a haircut.

Akaroa is again a harbour town of beautiful historical town. Many buildings are now restored following the earthquake. French whalers found a home here so there is a French style to some of the architecture and definitely the street names for example the Police Station was a gendarmerie.

A world recognised garden is here, the  ‘Giant’s house’.   I loved exploring the winding paths and finding quirky sculptures and mosaic figures. Which is your favourite?   

Back on the road again. Farmers consider us dumb travellers ….we need to be educated! Signs please….this crop is…… these are ……..sheep…….cows.

Timaru:  Dinner perhap?  So glad you booked ,because most of the motels have signs saying ‘No Vacancy’ . I think we should walk to the pub for dinner .  We can check out the rose garden they mentioned at the motel.

Trevor Griffiths Rose garden You have been sitting most of the day ,so let’s go, Oops sorry the lift is broken and there is not toooooo many stairs ( only 3 levels)

What did I have for dinner…….the classic lamb shanks of course. Now off to sleep like this lady. You have a busy day tomorrow.