Today was our longest driving day. From Kaikoura to Christchurch then through to Hokitika. We are starting the day on the East Coast and finishing the day on the West Coast.
The scenery from Kaikoura to Christchurch was beautiful, similar to the Picton/Kaikoura drive, massive rolling green hills. Once we got closer to Christchurch the land started to flatten out and become the Canterbury Plains. Prior to coming down to the South Island people had told me that the land was really flat, this must have been what they were talking about.
It was interesting being in Christchurch, Em and I had never been there before so we didn't know what the city was like before the earthquakes. The feeling across the city was strange almost empty. There were people around in the areas that weren't cordoned off, but it felt like in normal situations there would be more. We could see into the red zone that had been cordoned off, and although we couldn't see all the way through to the heart of the destruction, what we could see was very confronting and definitely brought it home and made the whole situation real rather than events we saw unfold on the TV. We also caught up with our cousin who lives in Ashburton (1 hour south of Christchurch) and to hear his stories surrounding the earthquakes also made it more real for us.
Next stop, Hokitika via Arthurs Pass (straight through the middle of the Southern Alps). Dominant snow covered mountains and winding roads sums that trip up well. I was happy when that trip was over as I drove and not only did I have to maneuver around the corners I also had to do it in pouring rain at times.
Our accomodation at Hokitika was on the beach complete with sheep, alpacas, ducks, chickens and Betty the pig. This has probably been the best accomodation so far. A small self contained wooden cabin, cute and cosy!
That night the plan was to watch Wales vs France. Kylee = Fail!! I fell asleep in the first 15 minutes and didn't wake up until the morning haha oh well by the sounds of things I didn't miss too much! GO THE ABs!!!!!