January 2022
It is now nearly April and I have been rather slack about writing my blog, but that is mot to say I have done nothing!
Christmas holidays were over far too quickly but happily David stayed for quite a while and so we had plenty of great day trips. Sumner is such a lovely place to wander along the Esplanade. Incredible weather, with the blue skies in stark contrast to the magnificent red rata.
Just above Sumner the Summit Road winds around the rim of an extinct volcano, affording fabulous views of the hills and coast. From Godley Head the vews and colours were spectacular.0
I decided that I would do a short trip each month to make the most of the lack of tourists on the roads. My first two-day trip was to Kaikoura, and although it was short, I felt totally refreshed when I got home, having enjoyed some phenomenal scenery and beautiful walks. How wonderful to also just be able 'to stand and stare'. Just before Kaikoura, as I arrived at the rugged coast, I left the bad weather behind me!
South Shore is not as visited as North but still has fantastic scenery and very colourful homes by the sea. It reminds me of parts of southern England.
I decided that I would do a short trip each month to make the most of the lack of tourists on the roads. My first two-day trip was to Kaikoura, and although it was short, I felt totally refreshed when I got home, having enjoyed some phenomenal scenery and beautiful walks. How wonderful to also just be able 'to stand and stare'. Just before Kaikoura, as I arrived at the rugged coast, I left the bad weather behind me!
South Shore is not as visited as North but still has fantastic scenery and very colourful homes by the sea. It reminds me of parts of southern England.
Kaikoura is famous for its whale watching and seal colonies, but not so well-known for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, with their pristine white, jagged rock formations.
Slumbering seals adorn the rocks, oblivious to the crashing waves around them.
Open your eyes and you will see so much to admire. The colours are stunning!
Even the toilets in the township are colourful and fascinating.
Other visits I enjoyed early in the year included breakfast with a friend on the deck of one of the original Lyttelton cottages, up on the hillls, with extensive views of the harbour and Quail Island. Spectacular.
Views over Lyttelton's twin crater in Akaroa are just as impressive, if not more so with the view out to the Heads at sunset from Robinson's Bay. Wow, to think that this is only an hour from home!
From Robinson's Bay to the Crater Rim scenic road it is only a short, yet steep winding road away! Fortunately, Liz and Brian introduced ne to Otepatotu Scenic reserve on the Summit Road, where a 20- minute climb through bush and rocky outcrops leads you to this breathtaking view of Banks Peninsula.
The outdoors provided me with many special moments, but although there were Covid restrictions indoors, many venues found innovative ways to provide entertainment to those willing to still get out and about. The Isaac Theatre put on some fabulous concerts for 100 lucky people who had booked early enough, and who could choose between listening to a duo performing easy listening music in the Great Bar, which seemed like a Parisian cafe, or could sit on stage in the main auditorium to be entertained by a great local musician. We started in Paris and finished well and truly in New Zealand!It was a very memorable and enjoyable night.
Covid has caused great disruption to lives, but with determination it has still been possible to get out and about to enjoy the very many things we have on our doorstep!
Slumbering seals adorn the rocks, oblivious to the crashing waves around them.
Open your eyes and you will see so much to admire. The colours are stunning!
Even the toilets in the township are colourful and fascinating.
Other visits I enjoyed early in the year included breakfast with a friend on the deck of one of the original Lyttelton cottages, up on the hillls, with extensive views of the harbour and Quail Island. Spectacular.
Views over Lyttelton's twin crater in Akaroa are just as impressive, if not more so with the view out to the Heads at sunset from Robinson's Bay. Wow, to think that this is only an hour from home!From Robinson's Bay to the Crater Rim scenic road it is only a short, yet steep winding road away! Fortunately, Liz and Brian introduced ne to Otepatotu Scenic reserve on the Summit Road, where a 20- minute climb through bush and rocky outcrops leads you to this breathtaking view of Banks Peninsula.
The outdoors provided me with many special moments, but although there were Covid restrictions indoors, many venues found innovative ways to provide entertainment to those willing to still get out and about. The Isaac Theatre put on some fabulous concerts for 100 lucky people who had booked early enough, and who could choose between listening to a duo performing easy listening music in the Great Bar, which seemed like a Parisian cafe, or could sit on stage in the main auditorium to be entertained by a great local musician. We started in Paris and finished well and truly in New Zealand!It was a very memorable and enjoyable night.
Covid has caused great disruption to lives, but with determination it has still been possible to get out and about to enjoy the very many things we have on our doorstep!
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