Clear blue skies and a clear site of the Southern Alps on the horizon. Now that's what I'm talking about! After brekkie and a Skype with Gary (still can't get used to getting up when he's off to bed!) I headed out into the sun.My first stop was the botanic gardens. I got a little distracted on the way by a sound garden, where old items have been used to make instruments which lots of people were stopping to play. It was lots of fun and I giggled l...

I'm still pretty sure that Akaroa is beautiful in the sun but I woke up around 6am to high winds and threatening clouds. I was packed and out of there by 8 with a somewhat soggy tent, although I avoided the rain by about 20secs. Trying to get everything in the car dry whilst keeping a beady eye on the rain clouds brought back many happy memories of childhood camping! I took the comparatively boring low level route back towards Christchurch. It followed the co...

Having packed up I headed north from Oamaru. My first stop was at the recommended Riverstone Kitchen. I had scrambled eggs, with truffle oil and hot smoked salmon. The serving was huge and I couldn't finish it! I continued north to Timaru where I visited the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre. I was greeted by a very enthusiastic Maori chap called Carl. He gave me a full introduction and kept coming over to give me more details about things. It was fascinating to d...

When you put too many artistic souls in one place it can go a bit wrong, a bit Oamaru. This town prides itself on its Victorian heritage and is grasping hold of the past with both hands. A curious mix of comfortable, familiar feeling limestone buildings with an undercurrent of creativity. Trying to maintain things as they once were but trying to be different and stand out at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I like this town a lot for its kookiness, but it h...

After checking out from Penguin Place lodge having seen no penguins at all I decided to check out some culture! On driving to the city of Dunedin I was entertained twice. Firstly by a tardis/Dalek letter box which I'm sure Gaz will love (see pic) plus the Harbour Mouth Molars... Inspired, even although not morphologically accurate- you'd not want to extract any of these beauties! I started my grand tour of this city, which is the farthest city in the worl...