Setting off

Tomorrow, Friday 6th Feb is New Zealand's National Day with an unforgettable name that I can't recall right now. When we picked up our camper yesterday it was after 5.00pm because of late arrivals at the depot, so we decided it was too late to go very far. Not only that, we were both very tired and wanted to get familiar with driving gradually. I told you that this was the only van available right now as I hadn't booked ahead and everyone wants to get away on their National Holiday. This is not the most luxurious type of camper. Indeed the Toyota Hiace is the Hilton compared to this! However, it's servicable and has the basic amenities; one-ring gas cooker, cold box, sink, water and a large bed with duvets and pillows etc. The outside has been decorated by a demented artist, whose work adorns all their identical vans. We are not inconspicious! But it's Automatic, which makes driving so easy!

The man at the Camper Rental office suggested we make for the Banks Peninsular, which he promised would be a nice relaxing area to visit. As Julie has no experience of driving an automatic we were relieved to be travelling on quiet roads. Soon after leaving Christchurch we were driving through stunning scenery with hills and mountains on every side, so when we found a promising campsite for the night, it was in the middle of beautiful woodland with a stream running nearby and the incessant sound of cicadas. The only amenities were natural woodland toilets and one cold shower. I slept well although Julie woke at 4.00am and suggested we go for a walk as the dawn chorus was incredible, an offer I sleepily declined.

Today, following a steep, winding road up and over the rim of a long ago volcanic crater, we reached Akaroa, a beautiful spot on an arm of the sea and the place Capotain Cook first landed (I think.) He named the area, which he thought to be an island, after Joseph Banks, the naturalist on the voyage of the Endeavour.

It just happens that there will be a big gathering at another place along the coast tomorrow, with Maori longboats and traditional feast, so we've booked into the campsite and will be there early.

Thanks for your messages. Julie noticed she'd had missed calls but realised its been set to silent so has now changed it. Hopefully she'll now hear if you phone her!