Coromandel

After our trip to Devenport, we went off to another one of NZ's wonderful little outside restaurants ...

but Niles insisted on a swim to work up his appetite.

It really was a great meal but then, we were getting used to eating well out there.

Next day, it was Heather, in her own car, driving us on a trip to the Coromandel Peninsular.

At Coromandel Town, on the west coast of the peninsular and as far north as we were going, we stopped off at a real 'Western' looking hotel, 'The Star and Garter'.

Worth a look for the sepia toned blow ups of old Coromandel.

I love theKiwi sense of humour, or was this style?

Devenport

On our return to Auckland harbour, we saw that a most unusual craft was anchored there. I thought it was the wine/beer combination but there really was a giant rubber duck there!

Brian and Janet flew off to Oz in the early hours and Anne and I took another ferry trip to Devenport.

I called in at a favourite bookshop which has a terrific early Sci-Fi sectio. Sadly, it is due to close shortly.

I think that, from the quality of the housing, some of the inhabitants of the houses in Devenport must have fairly well off.

As well as taking a few photos of the local architecture, we found another one of those fab trees that put us in mind of Tolkein.

Then a walk further along King Edward Parade and a climb up North Head (Takapuna) where guns still point seaward, left there since World War One I guess.

The view from there shows yet another deserted beach that would be littered with deck chairs, buckets and spades and lobster coloured people were it in England (not in mid January, obviously).

You can get a good view of the Sky Tower from there too.

Wine tour on Waiheke

After Akaroa, we motored back to Christchurch and flew back to Auckland.

Heather had us booked for a wine tour on the island across the harbour, Waiheke Island, so a Ferry trip started the day.

The coach driver who took us around gave us a chat about the island between visits to three vineyards, (some excellent wines) plus a visit to a olive oil farm/plantation - and a micro-brewery with a range of unusual beers.

I'm afraid I can't remember much of what he told us.

Earthquake

We've all been shocked by what we've seen on our screens of the devastation in Christchurch, a beautiful and friendly city. The last quake's damage was well away from being fixed and this one was far worse. So much of what we know there has been severely damaged or destroyed altogether. Akaroa is not so far away either. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost family and friends in this disaster.

Things to do in Akaroa

There was a small market in town and Brian and Janet were on the lookout for a bargain

Heather had her portrait painted while

Brian and I were busy elsewhere but I cannot remember what he'd said that he shouldn't have.

We then had a seat a little further away from the bar for a while.

Here's the view.

But then the girls encouraged us to have a few more drinks ...

and Brian fell in love with a tree.

In fact, Heather and I went swimming with the dolphins with Black Cat Cruises. Unfortunately the Dolphins refused to swim with us. I found swimming in a wet suit very tiring. My legs insisted in trying to leave the water altogether resulting in my face being dunked several times. I'd swallowed a pint of sea water and three small fish before I got the hang of it.

Black Cat refunded some of our money because of the lack of Dolphins. The other boat had more luck and so many Dolphins came to play that the humans grew tired of it. On this occasion, the dolphins got their money back.

Anne, Janet and Brian, meanwhile, were sailing around looking for seals and learning how to pull up sails and to steer a sailing boat. Brian was quite piratical and wouldn't let anyone else take the wheel. I remember he was the same when we took a barge up the Thames once. He even got a pointy stick and had us walking the plank!

Akaroa Dawn

I was woken early on our second day in Akaroa, perhaps by the dawn chorus of Tuis and Bellbirds.

The sun was below the horizon but was soon lighting up the mountains.

Heather spotted the new little boat in the harbour. Apparently, it hardly contributes to the town's economy. The 2000 passengers rarely go far and it moors up on the other side of the bay.

There is evidence of the French influence all around the town. (And the Irish!)

The Giant's House

The Giant's House in Akoroa, 'Linton', dates from 1861 and is now occupied by artist Josie Martin. Her garden is full of her work and is vibrant with planting schemes which mix flowers with her sculptures and mosaics. Just click on the photos for a better view of this remarkable place. (Afternoon tea was rather good there too!)

Akaroa Arrival

Here's our new home for the next two nights. I think Brian enjoyed his drive over the top. It was one winding road and steep all the way. We actually did see a chap cycling up it. The whole trip must have taken him hours and walking would have been quicker.

Here's the view of the town from our balcony.

And here' the view towards the mountains from the same point. As you can see, we're surrounded by bush and the Tuis and Bell birds were always good company.

There are some real cookie little houses all across the country. I'd not thought of taking photos of the architecture here but this little place has some historical importance. Note the plate on the fence.

See what I mean?

Just up the road is The Giant's House but it was shut on the evening of our arrival. We'll look in tomorrow.

Here's the view from our favourite watering hole. The great convenience of this bar (apart from the quality of the beer) was that it was only yards from a tiny little open air fush 'n chup cafe. Absolutely delicious fresh caught cod and snapper.

The other pier, where we were due to catch a boat for swimming with the seals on the next day, is the bigger one of the two. We walked along the front to it and saw the mountain view opposite

Road to Akoroa

Back in Christchurch again, we all booked in to 'Living Space' and then over to Dux de Lux for a meal and another jug or three of Ginger Tom.

Then it was a slow amble back to bed.

Niles had to be away early, back to work in Auckland, taking one car with him. From now on, it was a little more of a squeeze.

Next morning, we were headed for another of Heather's favourite spots, Akoroa. It's only about 90 minutes from Christchurch and, as you may be able to see from the map, the journey takes you through some marvellous countryside. The bays and inlets and the mountains that surround them are the result of three volcanoes.

We stopped off at a convenient picnic site by Lake Forsyth.

Someone has taken a photo of Heather taking a photo of me taking a photo of .... No, actually, I had tripped and was 'pretending to examine tracks'. Thanks Spike.

Here's the view I had

We left the main road for a little mountain jaunt.

As you can see, not all the roads have a line down the middle.

Not only did we get lost but, for some time, we couldn't even find the car!

That's Anne, Brian, Heather and Janet desperately searching for it. Heather is also practising her Maria von Trapp impersonation.

We found the car eventually, and headed up the mountainous road to a cafe at the top.

I seem to remember some of us having cakes and beer.

There we had our first views of Akoroa Harbour an the little peak at its centre, Onawe Peninsular.