Set out from Kaikoura at 8am and headed for Akaroa.
The journey took us along highway 1 along the coast through Oaro
with some very pretty views of mountains and ocean.
Then through Christchurch we didn't stop here as we plan a longer stay at the end of our journey. We worked our way
through Christchurch and onto highway 75 some nice flat roads here for a while passing through valleys of steep hills
with huge lakes next to the road.
Then the road gets interesting as you realize that you are in a valley and at some point are going have to climb out
of it to get to the coast on the other side.
So the inevitable hills start, same story really lots of steep climbs
tight corners and grey hairs. But oh the view from the top. These roads would be great in a fast open top sports car
of some type. But in a 4 ton 6 berth camper based on a small truck there is work to do.
The decent into Akaroa is steep and the town is partly built on a hill, our camp site is half way up a hill with views
over the bay and we had a great view from the camper lounge window.
Akaroa was founded by the French in 1840 and persists with the French influence it is very popular with the French
tourists. We liked the town very much and of all the places so far this is probably the one we could live in.
It's
only about 1:30 min's (in a car) from Christchurch (major city) and the scenery is magnificent.
We walked down the hill from the camp site and through the town, Jackie had planned a boat trip around the bay, but
we are too late to do it today and book our seats for the morning. We have a Boysenberry ice cream then do some grocery
shopping and do the climb back up to the camp it was a warm day and we were sweaty and tired by the time we got back
up (100 mtr+ climb)
Then showered, had a little too much wine and another steak dinner. While chatting to the other campers, some from
the UK, Denmark, Canada and Germany etc
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