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Published: October 14th 2016
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Leaving our Christchurch base on Friday (7/10) and hopefully leaving our colds behind we head out to Godley Head. Godley head is at the entrance of the Lyttelton Harbour. DOC opened a new campsite here only 2 weeks ago and we had we thought why not. So glad we did make the effort as this place is a bit of a gem. Godley head is the most complete World War II coastal defence site in New Zealand. There are plenty of remnants (concrete bunkers, old chimneys, planning room, engine room …..) to be found on this windy headland. The walking tracks around here are excellent (even with runny noses) with views up and down Lyttelton Harbour, Taylors Mistake, Sumner, Christchurch and right up the coast towards Kaikoura. Some very brave campers tenting here in the cold blustery conditions….bugger that.
After a good night’s rest at Godley head we make our way to Banks Peninsula. Visiting Charteris Bay, Purau and Port Levy. Last week we took the Lyttelton Ferry across to Diamond Harbour but we did not get to these places. You could walk to both Charteris Bay and Purau Bay from Diamond Harbour but forget the Port Levy it’s a
rather big drive up and over a very high range. Purau Bay is lovely and is definitely my pick of the day. It is tucked around the corner from Diamond Bay with lovely views across the bay and Lyttelton Harbour. The hills around are extremely high and rugged looking. My Grandad was a Dairy Farmer/Milkman here back in the 40’s, in fact he spent a fair bit of time working/living in Banks Peninsula. We were disappointed in Port Levy it was a long slow drive up and over the hills and it just lacked appeal. Charteris Bay is full of baches and was difficult to park anywhere, but was still a pretty bay. Final stop for the night is the Little River Hotel. Parked up out the back and it’s time to go and meet the locals and hopefully get some tips.
Sunday morning (9-10-16) and it’s cold, cloudy and drizzly. We pack up and head to Wainui Bay, no stopping this morning for photos you can’t see a thing! The man flu has taken hold of Lance so we opt to park up and stay here. The weather gods must have been feeling sorry for us (or me
having to be cooped up with snuffleupagus) the clouds broke and the sun came out late in the afternoon. So rugged up we head out for a walk around the Bay and up the valley, stopping to watch the Salmon fishing boat unload at the wharf. Grandad worked here as a shepherd and mums older siblings went to school here. The views are beautiful across the Akaroa harbour and out to the harbour entrance. The beautiful green valley stretched up behind the waterfront is worth a wander up……..so peaceful.
Well it is Monday and whilst you are all slogging at work we have been wandering around the beautiful Akaroa. In 1840 the township was established by French Settlers so the little township has a bit of a French theme going on. It is now where the big cruise ships come and visit during the cruising season. I'm glad they are not here today😊. There are plenty of great restaurants/cafes doted along the waterfront for people to eat and admire the view. Today the plan was to have the famous Fish & Chips here but it wasn’t meant to be ……….no fresh Cod only Hoki! So plan B and we
sit at the Thai waterfront restaurant enjoying a Pad Thai in the sun and listening to the young man who decided to wheel his piano out and play. Now this is what I call perfect😊. Last thing on the hit list today was The Giants House…….a Sculpture Mosaic Garden. Had heard so many reviews I just had to go. Lance was a little more sceptical (probably because of the cost $20 per adult). Boy was it worth it, just amazing. The work and skill of the artist Josie Martin is incredible no wonder its No1 on Trip advisor. I won’t put too many photos in my blog you need to go and visit.
Tuesday (11-10-16) and where off to drive the Scenic Summit Road route. This road sits high on the range and you get good views from all around the Peninsula. The wind is howling and it was pretty scary at times in the Motorhome. I thought we were going to be blown over and off the road. We stopped and walked the Otepatotu track which is on the Summit Road. The track leads you high above the carpark to a lookout I almost got blown off my
feet at one stage. It was pretty difficult trying to take photos when you could barely stand up. From here the track leads you up to the trig and a very noisy windmill. I did have thoughts the thing might blow apart and decapitate me or Lance. There were more great views but way too cold to stick around. As we headed around the Summit road we dropped down into Okains Bay, Little Akaloa, and Pigeon Bay. When I say we dropped down we drove very slowly down very long steep roads and crawled back out even slower. We stopped for a walk along the sandy beach at Okains and down to the river mouth, getting blasted with sand all the way. They have a huge camping ground amongst the trees here, it must be mad in summer. Little Akaloa was my pick of the bays and a great place for a lunch stop by the water. A quaint little pebbly bay that was oh so peaceful. Pigeon Bay and the weather has turned nasty. A quick look at the bay and sodden campground and we decided to move on. Our last stop on our way out of the Peninsula
was Birdlings Flat. A walk along the beach to collect a few treasures (agates/rocks/stones/gems😊). What a big day, we have been blown inside out but still enjoyed the beautiful Banks Peninsula and its gorgeous scenery. On to our last stop for the night Waihora Park Domain.
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