Picton

We needed to speed the tour a little as the Interislander ferry departure time was drawing closer, and missing the ferry would mean a big expense in the form of new tickets and additional late arrival penalties at Auckland. So we dutifully arrived in Picton allowing plenty of time to find a campsite ahead of our early morning departure the next day. Picton has always been a favourite destination, although this visit the marina is noticeable more expanded and organized, and the shop prices are noticeably more inflated. Perhaps it’s because they have to ferry everything across from the mainland?! (sic). 

We toured the shops where they seem to sell all the same souvenirs as everyone else, and eventually came upon this excellent secondhand shop that was just closing. Now, sensing our addiction to secondhand shops, the shopkeeper kindly let us in, and whirlwind fashion I had selected the item to purchase (a brilliant enameled cast iron casserole dish purchased for the delightful sum of $35). Then it was doors closed, and back to the motorhome for a jaunt around Waikawa Bay and the marinas. As dusk fell, we found a sign displaying cliff-top sections for sale, and setup camp in our newly paved campsite with exquisite views over the marina and the sounds.

Kaikoura

 

 

Our speedy tour continues with the dynamic duo heading from Lyttleton, through the tunnel, and the through the highway bypasses of Christchurch and up to Kaikoura. Again, an amazing place.

This was my third time visiting Kaikoura, but it was as lovely as ever with rugged coastlines, crystal clear waters, and farting seals. We arrived in town just as the locals were having a Children’s Christmas performance. The town’s carpark had been blocked off, and a stage erected, and all the town’s children tortured our ears with awful Christmas carols as we shopped, while the town’s parents sat in chairs and beamed proudly at how inbreeding has created such appalling singers.

 

Kaikoura Children's Christmas Show

 

 

Yes, terrible accusations I know, but the child serving us at the supermarket didn’t know how to smile and clearly needed a trip to Rotorua’s finishing school for lessons on customer service. Thankfully the town’s emergency services turned up with sirens wailing, splashing water, bandaids, and parking tickets everywhere, and dragging a very young sounding Santa behind them. We gleefully retreated to the seal colony to take in the magnificent sights and woke the next morning at out campsite on the old wharf to majestic views of the snow covered Kaikoura Ranges – just breathtaking.

 

Footnote: Of course I berate the poor citizens of Kaikoura in jest only. It is truly amazing to see how small town New Zealand pulls together as a community to make something happen. Clearly the Christmas pageant is a major event on the local calendar, and everyone gets involved. Perhaps the young boy serving at the supermarket was moping because he had to work while everyone else got to be at the show. Who knows, in twelve months time readers, it might be us organising or participating in a similarly tragic number on the Barrier, all to show support for one’s local community. After all, I nearly got entered (and sponsored) into the annual ”Barrier Bloke” competition, but that’s a whole other story…

Akaroa

 

 

 

 

 

Our whirlwind tour of the upper South Island next drew us to the pleasant seaside town of Akaroa. We took the Summit Road across from Christchurch and the Cashmere Hills – a stunning drive with amazing views of Lyttleton Harbour.

 

Akaroa Harbour

 

Then it was across the flats and through a town called Little River where a delightful shopkeeper who could not stop talking (even to breathe) referred me to a massage therapist in Akaroa. Now here comes a little story: whilst pulling down the gazebos following the garden party, the pole of the final gazebo swung round and whacked me in the head, and as I jumped out of the way, I felt something nasty pull in my upper back. But don’t worry, our hero wasn’t about to let excruciating back pain ruin a perfectly good South Island jaunt, so armed with Voltaren, codeine, paracetamol, and alcohol, the tour continued. But sleeping was difficult (and Maui could really look at investing in more comfortable squabs!), and the Voltaren was beginning to cause nasty gastrointestinal side affects. Deep tissue massage was called for pronto!

 

At this point we introduce Jennifer of Akaroa Body Care. This Angel of Mercy has healing hands (well, elbows actually), and she proceeded to kneed my broken upper back with the efficiency of an athletic Swedish baker. An hour later, I could once again turn my head and move my arms and therefore reach for my wallet to make the very necessary and reasonable payment to the defected Queenslander who now resides with joy in Akaroa. I’d thoroughly recommend a visit to Jen when in Akaroa.

While waiting to be cured, we had trekked down Akaroa wharf, Peter leading with camera glued to his face, me limping, stooped in agony. At the dolphin encounter kiosk, we heard someone call out “Adam, Peter – what are you doing here?”. Strange how you bump into people when you’re travelling incognito. The voice came from Ferelith, formerly of the MV Matata ferry that used to service Kawau Island. So after my miracle healing session, we popped in to visit Ferelith and husband Graeme at the place they were staying at in Duvachelle near Akaroa. We sat there drinking coffee and eating brie and bread, which seemed a very appropriate thing to do given that Akaroa Harbour has such a strong French influence.

Graeme and Ferelith at Duchavelle

 

Then it was off to Lyttleton Harbour again for dinner. We had previously spied a fantastic little restaurant called Satchmo that played great music and served what looked to be excellent pizzas. We arrived at dusk, and the air was filled with the music of Naomi Ferguson singing and playing the piano live. Naomi is a very talented local artist who has performed at Christmas in the Park in both Auckland and Christchurch. We felt obliged to sit at the table right next to Naomi and soak up the atmosphere. The experience was a tick in every box – great food, great music, great service, great ambience, great little restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

Naomi Ferguson playing at Satchmo's in Lyttleton