Sunny end to the South Island

Dragged ourselves away from Dorren and Mikes and headed eastwards . First stop, Pelorus Bridge. A nice swimming spot about half way between Nelson and Blenheim, it was made all the more special- and Kiwi- when we could hire inner tubes to float down the gorge for $5. What a bargain! And what fun! Initially bobbling down some rapids then serenely floating the latter part. Lots of kiwi families enjoying the cool water on a baking hot day.
Onwards for lunch at Allan Scott vineyard with some lovely wine for the non driver.
Through Blenheim and found a beautiful wild kiwi beach campsite near cape Campbell, and fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing on a brisk northerly wind.
A calm morning as the wind had dropped and the tide receded. Then back in Dora the Explorer, through Kaikora, squeezed between mountain and sea, and on to Hanmer Springs. Our initial disappointment that many mtb tracks were closed due to Novembers storm damage was alleviated by the reality that there were still plenty to keep us busy on a hot afternoon- (-and the signage was so poor that Helen seemed to just repeat the one line anyhow🙃)
Real fruit gelato then we paid the tourist dollar and went to the hot pools that Hanmer is famed for. There's a mixture of slides/ rides and oversized naturally heated jacuzzis. A very pleasant way to while away a few hours and contemplate life.
We parked up in a free permitted overnight space in the middle of town , with toilet facilities and a park area with benches and communal gas bbqs. Why would none of this ever work in the uk?
Early start for a beautiful run in the forest, cool at this altitude in the morning shade, then a drive back to Christchurch, via a brief stop at the Balmoral fire lookout at Hurunui .
The main event today was dropping Dora the Explorer off.
We might have had somewhat rocky start with our relationship with Dora, but she's kept us on the road for more than 5000k !And with the generosity of friends we've only had to sleep in her for 15 nights of 6 weeks. So there was a mixture of relief and sadness when we waved her goodbye.
One last treat was catching up with Jane Milner, a nurse friend and housemate of Judes from our time in Christchurch 35 years ago. We stayed with her and -ably supported by Jan ( aged 70) and Ben( aged 19) -we gave the local pub quiz a go and didnt come last!!!Read more