Christchurch ro Kaikoura and then on to Hanmer Springs

Our aim on Tuesday was to go to Akaroa on the coast but woke late, Peter having had a disturbed night (not by my snoring)by the people in the next room who had their TV on all night. We were offered another room and said we would think about it and made our way to the I-site (tourist information)to book some accommodation for our stay. We were advised to book the whole journey and thus spent a good part of the day there. It was then so late in the day that we dedided to go back to the hotel for a cup of tea and 'regroup' to be told that we would be moved to an executive suite, pity it was only for one night but at least the driver was well rested the next day. We never did get to Akaroa but went for a walk instead.

Wednesday morning we set off up the coast to Kaikoura which had been recommended to us for whale watching. The scenery on the way was absolutely stunning, I couldn't believe that you could be driving up the coastal road and have mountains on both sides of the road. The only down side of this was that as we got closer to Kaikoura there were some pretty sharp bends, not for the faint hearted (me). We explored Kaikoura which was very small but very commercialised but was set with a backdrop of mountains that seemed to come almost down to the sea and flanked by the Pacific Ocean. In the end we decided not to go whale watching as on enquiring the price decided that as we didn't want to buy shares in the company and we had seen whales in South Africa that we would give it a miss. We went to see the seals instead.

Our journey today was once more through some spectacular scenery, there is so much but I am sure that we will not tire of it. Of course going up into the mountains there were a few more hairpin bends and as I was on the 'drop' side a bit scarey for me. On turning off for coffee at the only place we passed it poured with rain so we spent a pleasant hour with a couple from Manchester who were touring the South Island by motorbike. Hanmer Springs is an oasis in the mountains with thermal pools and a spa, the thermal waters being full of minerals that supposely help your body repair and rejuvinate. Being in the water increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, nourishing vital organs and tissues. Only time will tell if it worked. Anyway having been soaking for two hours I asked Peter if I looked any younger he wouldn't commit himself, we were certainly a bit prunish.