Round and About in Christchurch

 There has been plenty to keep us busy in Christchurch.  I was quite keen to have another ride on the Gondola but it was rather expensive, so we decided against that.  So instead,  we took a drive up to the top of Dyer Pass, a narrow twisting road very popular with cyclists, who seem to dice with death with the cars as they whizz along.  We were doing a return visit to   the cafe The Sign of the Kiwi, famous for their date scones.  Yes, we had been there last time we were down this way, but it was well worth another visit.  We secured a table, and sat and enjoyed our afternoon tea.

It was a lovely sunny day

The Sign of the Kiwi was one of four rest houses built to provide access and refreshments for people walking on the Port Hills, back in the 1920s or so. 

In the old days

There are wonderful views from the top of the pass, looking down into Christchurch from the front of the cafe,  and looking the other way towards Lyttelton.  We had never driven down the other side of the pass, so decided to give it a go.  

Looking towards Lyttleton 

Down and down we drove, more twists and turns, and finally reached the the lookout over the harbour.  We looked out at the HMNZS Canterbury was docked in her home port for several days.  There was a large gazebo on the deck, which we supposed was for some sort of celebration.

Map at the lookout

We journeyed  back to camp through the Lyttelton Tunnel, which seemed to go on and on.  Mr Google told us that the tunnel is the longest in the country at 1970 mts long.

Tunnel entrance

Of course, our trip to Christchurch was to spend time with my son Michael to celebrate his 60th birthday.  He had a busy week as he had flown up to Wellington to spend a couple of days with his Dad, then flew back down again in time for our arrival in Christchurch.  I had booked a table for dinner on Friday night at the Platform Brew Barn, a riverside establishment in Kaiapoi, quite close to where we are staying at the NZMCA park.  This was a busy and popular establishment indeed, and we took a little time checking out the menu.  It was an easy choice for me, roast pork, Robin chose sirloin steak, and Michael decided on a burger.  Don't ask me why, but we all ordered dessert as well.  We really didn't need it, but it did taste nice.

Jenny, Robin and Michael at his birthday dinner

Then we met up for Sunday breakfast.  This was another very busy cafe in Mega Mitre 10 building and we ordered our breakfasts, and sat and chatted away, reminiscing about earlier times, as you do.

 Sunday Breakfast

While we were at the store, we bought a new fire alarm in our caravan.  The current one had taken to chirping at us during the night over the last few days, strangely enough, never in the daytime, for some reason.  So we needed a new one, and it is now up in the ceiling. looking after us.

Sunday is our last day here in Kaiapoi, so we decided to check out the local beaches.  They were not too far away at all, just out of town.  A choice of two, the Pines and Kairaka beaches.  Quite dangerous for swimming, according to the signs, and we noticed fishermen sitting expectantly with their rods in the water.  Wonder if they had any luck?

Kairaki estuary

Time to head slowly towards the ferry tomorrow, we don't sail back till next Sunday, so can take our time.  But where shall we stop?  Not sure, but probably somewhere we haven't camped before, we think.