Christchurch and upper east coast

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I have decided that we are doing the NZ farms and gardens a big favour with our travels. Wherever we go, we bring the rain. We arrive in a new spot, bringing rain. It rains while we are there, and everyone tells us it was fine until now. On the day we leave, the sun comes out, and we drive along baking in the sun. But it clouds over just as we arrive.

We had to pass by many interesting things, such as the Moeraki Boulders without spending much time investigating them as our schedule kept us hopping. It seemed like two months would be a nice long time to see NZ but it's not nearly enough!

Every New Zealand city has LOTS of walking trails all around it, and Christchurch has even more than most. There are low mountains surrounding the city and the landscape is dotted with the usual sheep and cattle, but also tiny moving specs of trampers out for a hike or quicker moving cyclists. The city was hosting an international cross-country triathalon which begins on Tuesday next, so there were lots of early arrivals, training on the surrounding hills.

One rainy afternoon we tried to take one of the scenic drives around a cape just to the south of the city. It had been overcast and raining off and on all day. If we stepped outside, the skies opened, and once we resigned ourselves to being stuck indoors - it ceased for a while. Or at least it seemed that way to ME. Anyway, we set out driving on Summit Drive around the cape, and stopping for various historic landmarks or spots of interest. Then the clouds came down a few hundred feet and surrounded us. We were winding on narrow two lane roads, with little or no fence boundary on the outside edge before the cliffs. And we could not see much further than a few car lengths ahead of us on the road. In the passenger seat I was clinging to the armrest leaning in to Pat to not tip the car over the edge. I COULD NOT let go or loosen up, it was way better than the ferris wheel at the Ex. After about half an hour of hair-raising twists and turns we found another road leading to Littleton and an escape from what was supposed to be a scenic trip. We stopped for a quick beer after prying my fingers from the dash.

The next day, Saturday, proved to be dry and almost sunny. Well, sunny in patches - just enough to give you a burn if you weren't prepared. So off we went again, doing the same route in reverse, and we were very glad to see what we had missed the day before.

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Photos

Leaving Wellington
On the Bluebridge Ferry.

Bye Wellington!
The Miramar area of Wellington. On the day we left, it was bright and sunny. But cold and windy on the ferry deck.

South Island
Half an hour from the ferry, and the mountains are burned dry. This is because of the influence of the north-west winds. Remember Grade 5 geography and windward vs. leeward sides of the mountain?

Unfortunate location of pole
The rain is dumped further west inland, and on the west coast so by the time the wind gets to the east coast it's dry. February is the end of the summer, like our August in North America.

South Island scene from the road
It seems like no matter where you are in New Zealand, there are hills either looking you in the face or in the distance.

Kaikoura, east coast
Our first night on the South Island, we stayed in this town known for its ecotourism and many scenic walks in the hills.

Just north of Kaikoura
we came across a colony of seals, visible from the highway which ran alongside.

What a panhandler looks like
when in Christchurch. The deacon of the church came out after only 20 minutes and asked him to stop - they were starting a service.

Sun going down
over the marshland behind our holiday park near the ocean in Kaikoura.

Kaikoura, around the bay
Out looking for a fish meal, we drove down to the docks only to find all the shops closed.

Interesting rock texture, Kaikoura
I would have loved to spend more time around here looking at the rocks but we were both hungry for supper. No time no time no time.

Canterbury College, Christchurch
The campus is a series of buildings surrounding a central quadrangle. You might think you were in England except for the flat vowels on the tongues of all the locals.

Now called the Arts Centre
The old college campus has been taken over as the Art Centre. Some buildings have the studios of sculptors, painters, and other artisans who work behind glass walls so the passing public can watch.

Arts Centre continued
Lots of buildings to wander through

Sculpture in one corner
Not sure if you can make out the details, but this is the two masks of drama and comedy. The complex also houses several live theatres. I could hear the actors practicing as I wandered in the courtyard.

Inside the Square
Can you see a tiny wire sculpture suspended above the pool? It's a church or building of some sort.

Just a hair salon
Across from the art centre. Great location!

Cobbled street
outside the Arts Centre

Conductor
does his job with panache.

Quaint's the word.
We didn't take the ride though -we had driven to most of the spots already.