After a very late night we were faced with a very early morning! We were feeling less than ready to get up at 6.30 am but were up, packed and even had breakfast in plenty of time to get a cab to the airport for our flight to Christchurch.

We landed on time and went to pick up our hire car. Of course, if it hadn't been for the devastating earthquake we would have been in Christchurch already as that was where quarter finals 2 and 4 were due to be held. Unfortunately it was decided that all the games planned for Christchurch had to be moved. Once again our hearts go out to the people of Christchurch.and we feel for them and what they have been through over the past year. It was brought home again to everyone as, just after kick off in the All Blacks v Argentina game in Eden Park, there was a big 5.5 tremor experienced in Christchurch. Luckily no further harm was done but it seems the authorities were right and it would have been just too risky to hold the RWC games in the beautiful garden city.

We set off north on the road to Kaikoura. It's a nice, quiet road for most of the way and Amanda actually did some driving. This event is rare enough to be worthy of being noted, and yes, she drove around 80 km from just outside Christchurch to Cheviot and we are both still alive to tell the tale! We stopped in Cheviot at a nice little cafe/ art gallery that we visited when we passed this way last month. They have some wacky art pieces and well worth a visit.

Over the mountains and down to the beautiful rugged coastline approaching Kaikoura, we carried on past the township and were soon at our new home for the night. Yes folks, this is where we get to stay in a tree house!! Of course we already knew where we were going to stay but seeing is believing and it was so much more than we had expected. We were like kids with a new toy!! Our Upper Branch Tree House suite was absolutely beautiful and with every comfort. We had views of the mountains and of the sea, with a herd of deer just in front and sheep grazing in the olive grove to the rear, just amazing!

We enjoyed a glass of wine in the double spa bath before going to the main lodge for an excellent dinner. The wind was getting up and we were lucky not to get blown away as we walked over but at least it wasn't raining! Back in our tree house we had the pleasure of lighting our very own wood burning stove. We are told that quite a few guests get over excited and add wood too soon which makes loads of smoke and sets off the fire alarm. I am delighted to say that we managed not to join their ranks!!