Akaroa and Okains Bay

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This morning we went into the main part of Christchurch for a look around. We watched some guys playing giant chess in Cathedral Square for awhile. They seemed very serious about a giant chess game! Then we headed out to walk along the Avon river. It was really pretty there - lots of weeping willows and greenery. It was weird to feel so transported from the large town around us to a serene small town feel. It felt very European. When we were walking along the river we saw a bunch of super cute baby ducks swimming around. We walked to a fudge shop (that we had tried to set up a tour for, but they were booked for days) and sampled different types of very tasty fudge. We got some of the most delicious fudge, and then went to Dux de Lux, a brewpub right by there. We tried their stout which was okay, but we enjoyed the ones we had the night before better. We walked around a bit more, and then decided we'd rather stay somewhere else that night. We decided to head to the Banks Peninsula and to Akaroa. We had to drive up a really big mountain, and then down. It was slow going in the van, but the views were spectacular. Akaroa is right by a large harbor and had a nice small town feel. We walked around and visited the i-site and local food market. We then took smaller roads up and down the mountain again to get to Okains Bay, where we stayed at a campsite right by the beach in some pine trees. It was super cheap, and it felt like real camping. There were mostly tents around, and basic facilities. The beach was really pretty, and we went for a long walk around while the tide was low, and went back a few hours later when the tide was up high. During the lower tide there was a bunch of sand that was like quicksand and we would sink into it if we didn't keep moving. The sun was out and it was just a remarkable afternoon. There was also a playground there that had really fun flying foxes. Two side by side so we could race. It was fun but then a bunch of kids came and we decided to leave the play structure to the youngsters. Since the weather was so nice, we set up our chairs and read outside, and enjoyed it. When it was finally dark, we went back out to the beach to see the stars. You could see them alright, but the moon was still pretty bright. It was lovely anyway.

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Photos

Christchurch
Cathedral Square

Christchurch
Serious chess match in Cathedral Square

Christchurch
Along the Avon

Christchurch
Along the Avon

Christchurch
Along the Avon

Banks Peninsula
Heading to Akaroa

Akaroa
Adam getting painted by a master

Akaroa
Myself being painted

Banks Peninsula
Akaroa Bay

Okains Bay
The beach by our campsite