I think its fair to say that my impression of Christchurch after four days is much more favourable than it was after the first half a day.  We drove from Dunedin on Monday morning, and got into Christchurch during late afternoon that day.  On Tuesday morning we strolled into the centre of the city and had a wander through New Regent Street and Cathedral Square which did not show the city at its best.  Anyway, over that and following days we went to The Church (a pub), Canterbury College, the Botanical Gardens, the Christchurch Goldola, Akoroa and Lyttleton, and I have become quite enamoured with the region.

So, after a VERY early start to Friday, we are back in Australia and enjoying a weekend of rest in Ballarat before heading home on Sunday.  Our Aotearoa Adventure has been a marvellous experience, particularly the 4 day bike ride arranged for us by www.bikeitnow.co.nz.  Here are a few pictures from our days in Christchurch.

​See you at home!

Ken had heard a lovely story (you can read it here: waimate.org.nz/ted-dauvergne) about a young farmer from the Waihao Downs who was called up to fight in the First World War and, like so many, never returned.  The essence of this story is that he left behind a bottle of beer at the local hotel (The Waihao Forks) to drink when he came home, and that bottle of beer remains unopened at the hotel to this day.  We had planned to visit the pub on our way from Dunedin to Christchurch, which we did, however we were there a few hours too early for the 3pm opening time.  There is a lovely memorial out the front which depicts Ted d’Auvergne waiting near the railway for his lift off to the War. 

As it turns out, Dunedin is a beautiful city, and we (mainly me) did it little justice by not allowing enough time in our trip to fully appreciate it.  Still, we spent St Patrick’s Day wandering the city and taking in the beauty.  We also took in some samples of Speight’s finest beers, which were fine indeed.  Speight’s Brewery is built on the (bloody steep) site of a natural spring, and the nice brewery folks have provided an outlet for the public to access the spring water.  The use of the tap was in high demand during our time at the brewery, and I just had to ask some of the locals why they valued it so much.  “It’s Speight’s water, mate.  Best water in Dunedin, eh!”

We completed our New Zealand biking adventure with two days riding along the mighty Clutha River from Roxburgh Dam to Lawrence.  Well, technically, we were alongside the Clutha River only until lunch time today when we reached Beaumont,  From there the river went in one direction while we went in another to complete the 20km remaining to Lawrence.  We were provided with a lift to Dunedin while the highly efficient Bike It Now people gathered up our bikes, helmets, panniers and charging kits to go back to Clyde.  I think it’s fair to say that we are all a bit tired and pleased to reach the end of the ride, but it’s certainly something we will look back on with pride and enjoyment.  Its been a great trip!

As I’m sure you are aware, the primary reason for this trip to Aotearoa was to spend 4 days riding e-bikes on dedicated trails.  Yesterday and today we knocked over what might be considered to be the “technical” trails: those with some challenging hills, drop offs and switchbacks.  Tomorrow and Saturday should see us on what I will call the river trail, alongside the Clutha River from Roxburgh to Lawrence.  So, expect more on Saturday evening, but what follows here are some pictures and video from the last two days.

We had a laid-back start to Sunday with a BBQ breakfast from our balcony (Have I mentioned the view?  Stop me if you have heard this…).  Late in the morning we made our way by Uber to Altitude Brewing on the Frankton Arm for a few beers, then return to Queenstown by water taxi (a hoot, BTW) before dinner and a return to our B&B.

​Tomorrow (weather permitting) we will be on a flight to Milford Sound.  Stand by for multiple pictures of mountains and fjords.

Heck of a day today: e-biking along the Arrow River and the Kawarau River out to the Gibbston Tavern and Wineries  As I am learning about this place, I should let the pictures do the talking.

Now, I’m not saying Queenstown is a small place, but…

On a cruise of Lake Wakatipu this morning our guide suddenly stopped his commentary in mid sentence, sounded the vessel’s horn multiple times and then continued with, “Thats my girlfriend over there on the jetty.  She’s going to work - bless her”.

The trip was a heap of fun, and the beauty of this place continues to amaze.

​Also - this B&B is a delight.  Who wouldn’t want to stay here?  The Breakfast Club enjoyed it this morning.

Just a few pikkies from the top of the mountain; some high speed action; and Dory’s take on end-of-life.