We’ve been in Wainui for almost 3 weeks now and the time has flown by. So much so that we can’t believe we’re half way through our stay in this beautiful part of the world. Despite having grown up in Christchurch and definitely visiting several of the bays around Bank’s Peninsula - I don’t think I ever made it here - so it’s been a real treat. The weather has treated us well - a solid mixture of frosts, stunning sunny days and the occasional days to hibernate indoors, hunkered down with cloud all around and mist sitting low on Akaroa Harbour. The views change in accordance with the weather - but always superb.

It’s a 90 minute drive into Christchurch and we’ve made a few trips over the hills and into the big smoke. Must admit it just doesn’t seem as ‘big’ as it once did, but still a pretty little city. We quite like to be as self sufficient as possible when we are housesitting - especially in a relatively remote spot. Having been snowed in (Italy), blocked in (trees down and power out for over a week in Ireland), we’re very conscious that the supermarket might not be immediately available - though Akaroa and it’s mini-market are only 25 minutes away at a pinch. With a view to said self-sufficiency we spent several hours on our first visit to Christchurch stocking up on food, fresh and booze. Looking at the pantry pile now, with three weeks to go, it looks like we’ll have a good starter pantry left for our next housesit - up north near Cambridge in Lake Karapiro. Luckily we booked flexible fares for the flight to Hamilton - so an extra bag full of supplies will be no hindrance at all.

Aside from trips across to Christchurch, including a lovely visit to the Casino for a lunch buffet. It’s hard to believe the Christchurch Casino is celebrating its 25th birthday this year - having opened just a few years after I moved up to Wellington for uni. We’ve certainly made the most of local scenic routes, including a stupendous trip up into the hills above Wainui - outstanding views from the snow covered 4WD road across both aspects - Akaroa Harbour heads to one side and right down the East coast of NZ and pretty Lake Ellesmere to the other side. The snow on the road should have been the clue, but when we jumped out for photos it was absolutely, bone numbingly, cold. Luckily we had the thermos and gingernuts on hand for a warm up before venturing on down hill. If we ever get the daft urge to sleep under canvas in this country... in won’t be in winter. And given the plethora of biting insects that turn up on a warm day... probably won’t be in summer either. Who are we kidding - these days if we are sleeping under the stars, it’s preferably indoors and 4 stars at a minimum. Airbnb notwithstanding of course - we’re fortunate to rustle up a single star on many of those (ad)ventures... but that’s an entirely different kettle of fish.

Well that is that for now at least. We are hunkered down on cosy sofas, enjoying our wood fires and the feeling of relaxation that envelopes us in these beautiful surroundings. The villa is old (but not cold), built in 1924. Generously proportioned, we can spread out and relax with stunning views from almost every room. It’s a pleasure to be able to go for a ‘walk in the country’ just by virtue of putting our chookies away every night. If we get overly energetic (and that’s not happening in todays teeming rain), we can walk down the road to Wainui Beach. On a busy day we might even see another car. But we never count on it.