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
