Paul and Jean's Blog: New Zealand South Island (Day 3)

DAY 3 CHRISTCHURCH / AKAROA Mon 5th February 2007

While we were on summit Road the previous day I had a chat to a masochist (read cyclist) who suggested we go to Akaroa while we were in the area. Checked the local mud map how to get there and headed off about 9am. An easy drive through to Little River where we stopped for brunch. A "Butty" could not be described as a healthy feed but it was just the ticket at that stage of the day. (Fried bread, seeded mustard, bacon, egg & cheese cooked, assembled and then refried - very tasty, very rich & very filling).

Off again & started to climb a range at the top of which was situated the Hilltop Cafe with beautiful views over Akaroa and the bay. An hot rod / vintage car rally was being held that day in Akaroa and a number of the old cars had stopped there. Then on down the range to the township. Drove through the town thinking we would have a look at the area before giving the town the once over. The main park was full of dozens of vintage cars . On the other side of town there was a sign indicating Lighthouse Road, so we decided to check it out as it appeared it would offer fairly good views of the region. Unbelievable! It was so steep we had to drop into low gear and after a few hundred feet of vertical climbing we were in nose bleed country. I expected the oxygen masks to drop out at any moment. Didn't make it to the top (shits were trumps). On the way back down we had to lock the car in low and apply the brakes all the way down. I can say with certainty that this is the steepest road I heave ever driven. Unforgetable views though.

Drove around for a bit more and had a look at the locals setting up for Waitatarangi Day. Also went for a stoll down to the spot where the Police first landed "to bring rule to the South Island".

Back into Akaroa township and wandered along the waterfront where all the restaurants, cafes, clip joints etc are situated. Must have been free beer on as everywhere was chockers. This is supposed to be a French influenced town but I suggest that is using a fair bit of licence. A few old buildings exist including the Post Office and the original Customs House.

After a liesurely wander along the pier and the back streets it was back to the limo & off back to Christchurch. We saw a road indicating an alternative scenic route and rather than just drive back the way we had come we thought we would give it a try. Absolutely hair raising!

It was a narrow steep winding road cut into the side of a cliff face. Unbelievable views but a frightening experience coming around a bend to find a car coming the other way half on your side of the road. You would rather have been doing my washing than my ironing that's for sure.
Jean left a lasting impression in the door rest and it would have been worse if she realised I had my eyes closed on a few occasions when I thought we were cutting it a bit close. Neither words nor photographs can properly do justice to this experience. Every corner brought another view more breathtaking than the last. Well worth the effort but not for the faint hearted.

From the range we drove down to Le Bons Bay which was a lovely little swimming spot and surf beach in a bay enclosed by large headlands. Back up the range for another session of white knuckle driving and spectacular views over Akaroa and the outside bays.

Eventually back down off the range and retraced our path to the motel for a few calming gin & tonics & scotches. With blood pressure returning to normal and no plans for dinner, we just walked & had a look at what was on offer in the neighbourhood. Ended up at the casino. Went for the buffet which was about half the cost of the previous night's restaurant. The food (with the exception of the prawns - here's a tip, don't eat prawns in NZ - (they're frozen, imported, undersized and bloody terrible) was excellent.

After dinner we wandered into the gaming room and put $10 through the pokies which coincidentaly lasted the same time as a few beers. On the way out had one bet on the wheel, picked up $50 and walked out for an inexpensive and enjoyable evening. A casual stroll found us back at the motel. Weather perfect & still no need for a coat.

Wonderful Day!

Visit: www.akaroa.com