So I've been away about five days and time has absolutely flown. Today is the first day we have had off from long long drives and thats only because the weather has stopped us. I think you could spend months in New Zealand quite easily as we have driven past so many attractions and detours we would like to have done but simply do not have the time - even with three weeks up our sleeve.
We arrived into Christchurch about 3 oclock and the weather was pleasantly warm. One BIG argument with the rental company later and our camper eventually arrived - quick show through - its in pretty good shape for an old vehicle and off we set towards our caravan park. Took the first wrong turn but as designated navigator for the trip I managed to get us safely back to the caravan park. Being navigator works really well as you always get the front seat and dont have to drive but will work even better when Mum learns to actually listen to me and take orders (ie never - the trials and tribulations of campervanning with your parents!) Its great though - the van is spacious and we are able to shop at supermarkets - I'm on a big budget - not having an income is really starting to sink in.
Christchurch was stunning - the buildings are amazing and so English. There is a huge cathedral in the centre of the city which is cool and we spent the morning wandering along through town along the Avon River which runs right through the centre of the city. We headed off that afternoon and reached Lake Tekapo about 4:30 after a few hundred kms and ended up free camping for the night just near the lake. The scenery is just beautiful and the whole of NZ seem to be like this. The area is so mountainous and rugged - nothing like we have at home. Huge mountains just rise out of these azure blue lakes and even though we have not yet hit winter there are some areas which are still covered in snow. Once we got up to the mountains it got very very very cold and the nights are freezing.
Headed off to Queenstown the next morning with a few stops to buy some fresh freshwater salmon and to try some sheeps milk camembert (very strong) before setting up in a van park about 400m outside the centre of town. Queenstown is very offpeak at the moment but still lots of people and very pretty and very cold (have I said that before?) The lakes are stunning and the next morning we drove along a gorge to get to the Shotover jet which was awesome! So fast and the 360 degree spins were thrilling - at some places I could have reached out and touched the wall. It was at this point that I decided to move to Queenstown and marry Mike our driver - hellooooooo hottie!!!
Anyway we are now holed up in Lake Te Anau a peaceful town about 2 hours drive south of Milford Sound for the day while we sit out a 'severe weather warning'. Still it is nice to stop and do some washing and get a chance to relax and read etc.
My time is about to run out so I had best be off. 20 minutes really flys!
Will update soon :) I'm having a ball!!!
