We're heading home today from a very drizzly Christchurch, NZ. It's been raining off and on since we arrived yesterday a.m. At least we're back in training for the West Coast winter except we'll have to readjust our temperature gauges in Portland. We're excited to head home but the trip on the plane is long and it's a bit like time travel. We leave here on 12/13 at 8:00pm and we arrive in Portland on 12/13 at 7:14 pm. Weird!
After a short surf in Kaikora for Peter - I was nursing a hurt hand from kayaking - we hightailed it to Hanmer Springs. The town is built around a few ski fields in the winter and a hot springs resort year-round. We camped at a mellow spot and we enjoyed the hot springs the next day after a short forest walk. The area around Hanmer Springs is heavily logged, but, they seem to be doing a lot of re-planting. At mid-day, we headed out to take in the views of Arthur's Pass. Unfortunately, the fog and sideways rain had set in deep, so, we settled for an early night and hoped for sunshine to dry things out for a hike the following morning. No such luck. The rain and grayness continued with gusto. We called it at 9:00 a.m. and headed out for the Banks Peninsula which is just south of Christchurch.
Gorgeous option! We drove to Arakoa which was originally a French Settlement and it still retains a bit of a European feel, i.e. streets are labeled "rue" and businesses have French names. It is right on a little bay full of boats. We checked out the town and went for a hot, steamy walk in the hills surrounding the town. It was muggy and 90 degrees! Lovely change from Arthur's Pass! After lunch, Peter rented a surf board and we were off to the eastern shore to find a surf break. It wasn't much of a break, but, after a windy drive, we arrived at a completely deserted and amazingly beautiful beach. It was magic. We had a nice dinner in town and then slept like babies!
We've been in the big city just tying up loose ends and preparing for our departure this evening. We did a bit of shopping yesterday and caught a movie to get out of the van/rain. As it continues to rain and we've got an 8:00pm flight, we're going to check out the Canterbury Museum.
New Zealand has been an ultimate time. It is such a gorgeous place The scenery is beautiful from every angle. The folks here seem to have a good balance/attitude about life. They appreciate and play in their gorgeous surroundings. It is a place we feel lucky to have visited and we hope to return one day. This country is magic.
See you soon.
Really!
xo,
K & P
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