The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide
Christchurch north to Kaikoura
I was a bit sad. We had seen Christchurch downtown as it has been leveled by the earthquakes that still slowly rumble on with diminishing affect. It is felt by the experts the damage is over and so the re-building has begun. Everyone looks forward to Christchurch coming back to a level everyone hopes for and expects. I have no doubt due to the fine Kiwi people and their ability to face problems and wade through them with perserverence and tenacity it is a done deal eventually. So we leave it to them and wish them all the best. I must say to all visitors do not hesitate to go into Christchurch.You will be rewarded with a look at what has happened via Mother Nature and what is happening via stubborn minded and hard working Kiwis.
So route one north out of the city. We had left the Northsouth Holiday Park stopping by my favourite market just up the road next traffic circle to pick up supplies and say hello to Liz Dunlop the manager of Raeward Fresh Market. Believe me it is fresh and wonderfully priced. We have been stopping by for years and are always treated with perfect produce and meat and friendly smiles. My hat is off to them all. It means a lot to travelers to find these special places and I am happy to introduce you to this one. Liz showed me a new wine they just got in so I guess we will have to try it.
On north we soon clear the city and are in the country zooming along in the campervan.
Don't feel like going far today. Need to catch up a bit and I know of a “secret” spot o hang out plus I want to stop to see Kevin, an old friend, who owns the Pukeko Junction Wine Shop and Gallery south of Amberley along side the Pukeko Junction Cafe and deli...what a great combination.
When we got there I introduced David to Kevin and away the conversation went. I finally had to leave them to it and told David to meet me in the cafe since I was hungry vowing to Kevin I would be back as soon as I filled the empty space.
The cafe is owned by Guy and Celine Graham who really know how to provide quality at a price.
How is this for a treat: Roasted butternut pumpkin filled with moroccan spiced lentils and a fresh salad.....that took care of any hunger I had.
Then David joined me and ordered a bacon, leek and gruyere cheese tart.......enough said...........
This is wine country and if you want to know anything about the wines of this region stop by and see Kevin. He is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable people in the country and he always has a great selection to choose from.
So after a bit more conversation with Kevin and vowing we would be back soon off we went north. As I said I didn't want to go far so when we got to Amberley I turned toward the ocean and Amberley Beach where the town maintains a large expanse of land for people with campervans to stay overnight. As we discovered this time of year it wasn't crowded and we slipped the maui in under a tree hooked up to electricity and settled in. It was but minutes a young cat was at the door begging and, of course, we complied. We became his best friends in a heartbeat. I used to have two cats full time on my bus when I was on the road and actually miss their company. Maybe again some day??
David walked the short distance to the beach while I tried to catch up on the computer. We had an awful lot of photos to go through and I really doubt if I really get it as I want it for months to come but for now I am trying.
It was up early and back to route one and north to Hanmer Springs where it would be an enjoyable soak in the top hot pools of the area. How to relax and wish away all time delays is the answer but then it is on north as we had a schedule to meet and the next couple of days was going to bea real positive highlight of the trip.
We stopped by the Alpine Adventure Holiday Park to say hello as I hadn't been there for a few years so wanted to meet the new owner Alan Kuringer. After a quick introduction we were off to one of my favourite places to visit – Kaikoura with its seals and whales................
We went to the best holiday park in the area in my mind – the Peketa Beach Holiday Park - south of town. We found the owner Digby down on the beach cleaning up and burning brush. It was that time of year. So we checked in and put the maui on a spot by the beach as usual. Actually every spot is on the beach and it's a quiet peaceful area only changed when a sea gull would fly by in search for a hand out....
Tomorrow was going to be an exciting day as we had an appointment to go with Whalewatch and we had heard there were lots of whales in close right now....
I am exited as I truly enjoy seeing them roll on the surface.
(to be continued)
Be sure to check out our Facebook page
Lots of photographs
Peketa Beach
I was a bit sad. We had seen Christchurch downtown as it has been leveled by the earthquakes that still slowly rumble on with diminishing affect. It is felt by the experts the damage is over and so the re-building has begun. Everyone looks forward to Christchurch coming back to a level everyone hopes for and expects. I have no doubt due to the fine Kiwi people and their ability to face problems and wade through them with perserverence and tenacity it is a done deal eventually. So we leave it to them and wish them all the best. I must say to all visitors do not hesitate to go into Christchurch.You will be rewarded with a look at what has happened via Mother Nature and what is happening via stubborn minded and hard working Kiwis.
So route one north out of the city. We had left the Northsouth Holiday Park stopping by my favourite market just up the road next traffic circle to pick up supplies and say hello to Liz Dunlop the manager of Raeward Fresh Market. Believe me it is fresh and wonderfully priced. We have been stopping by for years and are always treated with perfect produce and meat and friendly smiles. My hat is off to them all. It means a lot to travelers to find these special places and I am happy to introduce you to this one. Liz showed me a new wine they just got in so I guess we will have to try it.
On north we soon clear the city and are in the country zooming along in the campervan.
Don't feel like going far today. Need to catch up a bit and I know of a “secret” spot o hang out plus I want to stop to see Kevin, an old friend, who owns the Pukeko Junction Wine Shop and Gallery south of Amberley along side the Pukeko Junction Cafe and deli...what a great combination.
When we got there I introduced David to Kevin and away the conversation went. I finally had to leave them to it and told David to meet me in the cafe since I was hungry vowing to Kevin I would be back as soon as I filled the empty space.
The cafe is owned by Guy and Celine Graham who really know how to provide quality at a price.
How is this for a treat: Roasted butternut pumpkin filled with moroccan spiced lentils and a fresh salad.....that took care of any hunger I had.
Then David joined me and ordered a bacon, leek and gruyere cheese tart.......enough said...........
This is wine country and if you want to know anything about the wines of this region stop by and see Kevin. He is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable people in the country and he always has a great selection to choose from.
So after a bit more conversation with Kevin and vowing we would be back soon off we went north. As I said I didn't want to go far so when we got to Amberley I turned toward the ocean and Amberley Beach where the town maintains a large expanse of land for people with campervans to stay overnight. As we discovered this time of year it wasn't crowded and we slipped the maui in under a tree hooked up to electricity and settled in. It was but minutes a young cat was at the door begging and, of course, we complied. We became his best friends in a heartbeat. I used to have two cats full time on my bus when I was on the road and actually miss their company. Maybe again some day??
David walked the short distance to the beach while I tried to catch up on the computer. We had an awful lot of photos to go through and I really doubt if I really get it as I want it for months to come but for now I am trying.
It was up early and back to route one and north to Hanmer Springs where it would be an enjoyable soak in the top hot pools of the area. How to relax and wish away all time delays is the answer but then it is on north as we had a schedule to meet and the next couple of days was going to bea real positive highlight of the trip.
We stopped by the Alpine Adventure Holiday Park to say hello as I hadn't been there for a few years so wanted to meet the new owner Alan Kuringer. After a quick introduction we were off to one of my favourite places to visit – Kaikoura with its seals and whales................
We went to the best holiday park in the area in my mind – the Peketa Beach Holiday Park - south of town. We found the owner Digby down on the beach cleaning up and burning brush. It was that time of year. So we checked in and put the maui on a spot by the beach as usual. Actually every spot is on the beach and it's a quiet peaceful area only changed when a sea gull would fly by in search for a hand out....
Tomorrow was going to be an exciting day as we had an appointment to go with Whalewatch and we had heard there were lots of whales in close right now....
I am exited as I truly enjoy seeing them roll on the surface.
(to be continued)
Be sure to check out our Facebook page
Lots of photographs
Peketa Beach
Win a Free Night's Stay