After an early morning start, well around 0900 actually, we departed Akaroa after an excellent four days R & R and headed back to Christchurch. We used, what they call the 'Tourist Road', which takes you along the top of the ex Volcano with fabulous views over the harbour. We only took one photo as the camera cannot due justice to the views that are available. The road winds along the top with many opportunities to drive off the edge and drop a few thousand feet with no safety barrier, just a few trees to perhaps break your fall.
On our earlier visit to Christchurch a few days ago we purchased some tickets to go on the 'Gondola' up to the top of Mount Cavendish which overlooks Christchurch. The weather was not good then but as the weather today
was better we decided to try it. There were some great views of the coast and the Banks Peninsular. Following this we headed off to the airport to find DHL to send back an envelope to the UK, and then off to Ashburton.The direct drive to Ashburton is through the Canterbury plains and can be a bit flat and boring so we took a longer more interesting route via Darfield, Coalgate and finally Methven which is a favourite place for skiing but at this time of year there is no snow.
The journey was not mired by any traffic and there are few cars , however most of the vehicles we have seen on this route are Toyota Land Cruisers or other Japanese cars but very few Aussi Fords and Holdens.
We finally arrived in Ashburton at around 5 pm. It seems a particularly uninspiring town but suitable for staying the night after our journey. We are staying at the Ashburton Motor Lodge which is clean and nice but a little bit noisy as it's on the main road from Christchurch to Dunedin.
Most of the motels are quite well equipped with microwaves and even a two ring induction hob which allowed us to cook a great Sirloin steak and salad for dinner, but no wine as I am under orders!. (Rubbish! it was Noel's idea) However we had a beer which I don't think should count.(he is pretending that it's Friday by listening to Friday evenings Chris Evens show on the internet.)
And so to bed after planning our next days journey to Timaru.
