On the flight over from Australia Keeley's finger which had been hurting was hurting more and swelling. After an uncomfortable nights sleep we went to hospital in the morning here we waited hours to have Keeley's finger cut ansd squeezed for the first time . Yes this was to be the first of many trips to the doctors. That night armed with painkilllers anti boiotics and a bandaged finger we went out to celebrate valentines night. Went to a nice pub selling real ale and had a green grass band.

Next day we went to the hospital again to have finger probbed and poked again which was even more painful than the first time. Picked up the campervan andKeeley was dying in the back she was allergic to the painkiller, things were not going well. The van was however spacious and easy to drive so we set off to Hanmer Springs. Arriving at the spring we set off on a walk staight away. We walked the woodland walk and the Majuba walk to the top of conacle hill. The views from the top were very good verging on the spectacular.

The next day it was raining a little when we set off on our walk called a forest journey. We however got a little lost on the journey and a lot wet as the rain began to bucket it down. A few hours later two very wet people dried themselves off and went to get wet again in the hot springs. The hot springs were hot and sometimes smelled of egg and Keeley always had to keep her finger out of the water so we did not stay too long.

Back to Christchurch and yes the hospital again and slice, squeeze and poke again. We did have lunch in the botanical gardens as we had seen nothing of Christchurch except the inside of the hospital. We set off on our short drive to the banks peninsular. Well it should of been a short drive but due to picking a route that included many roads unsuitable for campervans we ended going backwards as much as forwards. Fortunately the views were good and we did arrive at our destination Oakins Bay. We however were too late for the shop so no well deserved beer. Walked down to the beach, nice, deserted but a tad cold, cool cave (Keeley thinks would be good for kids story setting).

Drove across to the other side of penisular to Akaroa where the french landed in New Zealand. We went up into the hills on a nice woodland walk it wasquiet and serene except for the Cicada's which at points made a near deafening sound.

Even though this blog sounds negative at times we are having a great time and have decided already we could quite happily live here in the future.