Saturday 30th March

Christchurch is a disappointment - largely due to the suffering caused by the February 2011 earthquake. There are still lots of buildings being propped up and lots of attractions closed, we do manage the gondola for spectacular views and see some para gliders in action. The roads and bridges are a mess with mass reconstruction bringing diversions and lots of bumps and humps. The people also don't seem as chirpy and chipper as in previous towns - again the earthquake has put a lot of people out of business and it shows.

Also I guess there is, on top of it all, a drought that makes the place look barren and bleak, no wonder there is plenty space in the motor home park!

So, instead of taking the alpine train tomorrow we decide to bomb out of Christchurch and head for Kaikoira and possibly spend two nights here instead.

The journey through the glacial plains to Kaikoira is relatively unspectacular, of course we have previously been spoilt!

Kaikoira is like a little Plett, with lots of restaurants, the big thing seems to be whale watching in this town, but today we arrive too late for the last tour, so have to start drinking early in one of the local pubs and get down to watching some rugby for a change.

Sunday 31st March

This morning I am hungry for a bike ride so hire a bike from the local surf shop and cruise about 40km in and around Kaikoura getting the lay of the land. It's hot and clear again but the wind is picking up and to my chagrin the whale and dolphin boats do not go out in the afternoon as the swell has picked up!

We decide to take the cliff top walk in the afternoon and see South Bay - this is crayfish country but it's hellishly expensive. There are plenty snorkel people and spear fishermen in the water but we didn't see these excursions advertised.

We visit the limestone caves and get the last tour at 15:30 and it proves very interesting with the usual mites and tites and 600 to 10 000 year history in the floor and a 20 million year old fossilized sea urchin on view.

For the second time today we get the same tip from a friendly guide who suggests that the baby seals at Ohau are a must-see.

It pans out to be a warm evening and we visit the same bar - only to be told we have to order a main course in order to get a drink, Easter Sunday and all! When I ask them to put the rugby on they say they can't as the law prohibits them from enticing people to come in and drink on Easter Sunday - my goodness me, the first be of puritanical behavior!

Kaikoura is a great place but obviously the weather conditions and public holidays have to play along to guarantee the best time.

Monday 1st April

After performing ablutions on the van (grey waster, black waste to be emptied, water tanks to be filled etc) we head on to Blenheim for the night. On the way we do indeed stop to walk up the valley and witness hundreds of seals frolicking in a fresh water stream under a waterfall - if you get a chance to have a look at the video it is linked on Lyn's Facebook page, well worth it.

Blenheim is one of many medium sized towns servicing the local sheep farming industry but this town also has the right climate for viticulture and it's taken off in a big way (very big if you understand that land formerly being used by she is now under vine)!

Blenheim is well laid out and has plenty of walking and waterway attractions and is not far from the sea. We visit the WW2 vintage airplane museum designed and stocked by that famous New Zealander Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings fame) and he has done his collection proud, it even mildly entertained Lyn!

We also tramped up the mountain to take some view pictures of Blenheim - lots of mountain bikers and walkers around.

Tonight will be our last motor home cook out and we are having, yes you guessed it, New Zealand lamb mate!