Wednesday 21st february
Today was a long day. We drove from Te Anau to Ashburton near Christchurch. The drive took us 8 hours as there were many issues following Cyclone Gita. Flooded roads galore, bridges washed away etc etc. It rained heavily all the way
Thursday 22nd february
Our new accommodation is an Airbnb in a tiny cottage, and I mean TINY! its one room with an ensuite shower but is old and very small but adequate. The people who own it also have many vintage cars and tractors plus other museum pieces. What an amazing place. We didn’t find the E Type or the XK 120 which apparently were in another building.
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- our cottage
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- our cottage
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- old sweet etc shop
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- Buick, Chevrolet, Jaguar and Austin 7
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- What is this?
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- Sheep shearing machine
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- combine??
Friday 23rd february
We set off at 7am because our journey was going to be longer as State Highway 1 was closed due to multiple land slips. There really are only two routes North/South so we had to take the inland route which in itself was very picturesque as it wove through the many mountain passes and endless vineyards.
It took 8 hours but was fairly easy driving. We are now back in Picton in a great Motel (Jasmine Court) awaiting our crossing back to North Island tomorrow.
Saturday 24th february
We crossed to North Island on the Interislander in beautiful weather then drove onwards to Ohakune where we stayed in a Motel with a view of mountains which provide skiing in the winter.
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- Marlborough Sound
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- Pauline tries her first pie
We travelled from Wellington North to the hills to a place called Ohakune for a one night stay in a Motel. Not quite as good as the accommodation we have stayed in for most of our visit, but adequate.
sunnday 25th february
We drove to our final cabin on the West coast in a tiny place called Aotea. It was a fantastic place, just the way to end our stay in New Zealand. Jeff, who looks after the house, invited us for a quad bike ride. We did just that. On two quad bikes we went all over the area, including along the beach (low tide). A brilliant 3 hours and really kind of Jeff to allow us to ride a quad bike.
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- with Jeff and a quad bike
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- Our accommodation
Monday 26th february
A day chilling and preparing to go home. we did manage to go the “hot water beach” where, armed with a spade, you dig a hole and bathe in the natural hot water.
Digging a hot water hole
tuesday 27th february
chilling day!!
Wednesday 28th february
On our way home. The first flight is 18 hours and 20 minutes!!! Gulp!!
