New Zealand South Island (Day 15)

DAY 15 CHRISTCHURCH SATURDAY 17.2.07

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(Entry Drive Clearwater Resort)

Clearwater Resort - the home of the NZ PGA. Aptly named - the spring fed lakes are crystal clear. We had never seen water as clear and, unfortunately for me, pretty bloody plentiful around the course. Designed by Bob Charles and Bob Derby, this 6526m (tiger blocks) is a true championship course featuring rough you could hide a car in (which was no doubt grown that much longer for the PGA to be played a fortnight later).

There aren't many easy holes here. It requires accurate hitting due to the tight rough (velcro) around the greens, the tiger country rough bordering the fairways and a splash of water on about 15 of the holes. Having safely negotiated these obstacles, the greens are diabolical with breaks and speeds beyond comprehension on occasions. A four put double bogey for me was a clear indication of the problems I suffered with the greens. A truly magnificient golfing experience that saw me reach a century before lunch. Jean pars the last to beat me by one & square up the trip 3 all. Course rating: a really tough but enjoyable course. A must play in the South Island. We rated it a 9 out of 10.

Visit: www.clearwaternz.com

(Clearwater Accommodation & Housing)

(18th Hole Clearwater)

Back then to our motel to be picked up by our local guides - the Blackwells. Drove on to their old stamping ground of New Brighton and took a stroll along the pier.

(New Brighton From The Pier)

A day at the beach for the locals with lots braving the chilly conditions for an ocean dip. Then on down the spit that is South New Brighton Beach & out to the tip which brought us out opposite Redcliff and Sumner where we had breakfast on day 2 so long ago.

(Looking Back Over The Estuary Towards New Brighton)

Backtracked along the spit before a slight detour to have a look where Deirdre lived as a teeny bopper and on through Te Hungi Manu Wildlife Reserve to Bromley and up into the hills to look at some new estates. Boy are these estates brilliant with million dollar views up the coastline over New Brighton beaches, Avon and Heathcote Estuary.

A return then to familiar territory with a drive along Summit Road (as per day 2) through to the Sign of the Kiwi and on to another of the mountain roads we hadn't seen, before stopping at various points along the way to experience more sensational views.

(Blowin' The Froth Off a Couple)

A roller coaster ride back down from the hills brought us to some out of the way pub with a comfortable outdoor beer garden where we blew the froth off a couple of cold beers - yet another type we had not tried before.

Then headed back through Governor's Bay to Lyttleton to meet up with Deirdre and Darell's relatives for dinner at a nice little harbourside restaurant. A very enjoyable repast provided by the retired gent's expense account.

After dinner we returned back to the city via Lyttleton Road Tunnel and enjoyed a late night tour of the city lights. Our kind hosts then delivered us back safe and sound to our motel for our last night before returning to Australia tomorrow.