Our First Days in New Zealand

Upon arrival in New Zealand on Saturday October 11, we were several hours at the airport, having our food and tent checked in biodiversity inspection before we could clear customs. Then we picked up the sleeper van and headed into Christchurch to check into the holiday park. We rounded out the evening with dinner and sampling a few beers.

In the morning, we went to worship at Knox Church, a Presby congregation whose building was ruined in the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Their new building will be completed in the next few months. We struggled to find parking, so we were a few minutes late to the service. Turns out that Presbyterians everywhere do not sit in the front row. So if you are late, you walk past everyone to sit in the very front.

After lunch we headed north on SH1, having our first look at the beautiful countryside. We stopped in Waipara, which is a wine region. It seems to specialize on reislings and pinot noirs. We tasted samples at both Pegasus Bay and Waipara Hills Mud House.

We passed through more beautiful countryside, finally driving along the coast, before reaching Kaikoura, where we stayed for the night.

In the morning, we set off on a walk around the Kaikoura peninsula, which ended up being 6-7 miles. We had lovely views of the seaside, snow-topped mountains, a seal colony, a herd of cattle, and the snug bay towns. The second picture below has a seal under then walkway.

After a picnic lunch on the beach, we headed north on SH1 to Blenheim, into the Marlborough Wine Region. We visited Wither Hills and Lawson's Dry Hills, where we enjoyed many styles, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer. For dinner, we visited a pub serving craft beer. Alan tried a sampler, and probably enjoyed the Longbeard Brews best. We will have to go to that brewery when we are back in Christchurch.

We ended the day with a bit more driving to arrive at Pelorus. In the morning, we walked a loop around the Pelorus Bridge, apparently featured in The Hobbit, though I can't remember it from the movie.