Governer's Bay/Kaiapoi/Christchurch

It had been suggested that instead of heading back into Christchurch through Tai Tapu, we take the scenic route around the Banks Peninsula coast towards Lyttelton — and we’re so glad we did.
We drove through Diamond Harbour and around to Governor’s Bay, where I had found a POP site that sounded very inviting and was described as extremely dog friendly. The Otomoriro Tavern allows NZMCA members to park free of charge in their carpark below the tavern, with the gentle encouragement to make use of the tavern facilities (oh dear… how terrible 😜).
When we went in for dinner, we were pleasantly surprised to be invited to bring the dogs inside with us. Both dogs were beautifully behaved. Diesel, as always, was thoroughly admired. The usual reaction goes something like: “Oh what a beautiful dog! What breed is he?” followed by vigorous ear scratches and pats. Poor Marley often gets overlooked initially, but she’s perfected the art of inserting herself directly into the middle of any affection being given to Diesel!
While tethering the dogs at the parking site, I spotted a four-leaf clover… then another… and another! Poor Neil searched for ages and didn’t find a single one 😂 I seem to have a knack for finding them, and I’ve discovered that where there’s one, there are usually plenty more nearby.

The next morning we took the dogs for a long walk down to Sandy Bay — possibly the most inaccurately named beach ever, considering it was almost entirely stones and rocks! The scenery from both the beach and the wharf was absolutely breathtaking though.

We drove through Lyttelton but didn’t stop, mainly because finding a park there in a car is hard enough, let alone in a motorhome with a trailer attached. We did, however, take the opportunity to visit Neil’s Aunty Pauline, who lives nearby. She was so happy to see us, and we also got to catch up with Neil’s cousin Phil while we were there.
We had a spare night to fill before heading into Christchurch proper, so we decided to spend it in Kaiapoi. We stayed at the NZMCA park there and were absolutely blown away by how lovely it was. It honestly has to be one of the nicest NZMCA sites we’ve come across so far.

The site is surrounded by a large area of urban “red zone” land that has been transformed into reserves and parklands after the earthquakes, so it really feels as though you’re staying right in the middle of a beautiful park.
We went into town for coffee at a gorgeous little café called “Paris for the Weekend” and enjoyed wandering along the river watching all the boats tied up on the Kaiapoi River, which eventually flows out into the Waimakariri River. There was something about it that reminded me so much of the canals and locks in Scotland — peaceful, picturesque, and full of character.

Our next stop had to be the best POP site we’ve stayed at yet — 35 Mounter Ave, Northwood, Christchurch. A place where everybody knows your name (lol), you get fed, watered (wined!!), have unlimited hot showers, power, and the very best company.
We’re incredibly grateful for family who are always happy to see us… or at least pretend very convincingly 😆
While in Christchurch, Neil and I also went along to the Caravan and Motorhome Show. I may or may not have found our next motorhome… and, purely coincidentally of course, there just happens to be a second-hand one for sale in Tauranga! 😜

In all seriousness though, we have absolutely loved this experience so much that we’d eventually love to spend our retirement travelling the country full time. (Subtle hint there for Neil, love of my life 😂).
While we were in Christchurch, Carol, Malcolm, Neil and I — along with the dogs — decided to go for a bike ride. Unfortunately the ride turned into a bit more of an adventure than expected!
Neil came off his bike on some loose gravel and badly bruised his arm. Not to be outdone, I then came off my bike as well after Diesel suddenly pulled me over, leaving me a little battered and bruised too 😂
Thankfully nothing was seriously injured except perhaps our pride. But hey… it’s all part of the experience, right?
One of the absolute highlights of our Christchurch stay was going to see the Pink Floyd Experience — The Wall. What an incredible show. Not just musically brilliant, but visually and theatrically amazing as well.Read more