Found two gems on our way from Wanaka to Christchurch. Ophir is a former gold mining town with a wonderful old Post Office that still operates using the original equipment (plus a computer). All the old houses had great roses.
Oamaru on the east coast was superb - a real piece of NZ commercial history. Wonderful buildings from the local limestone (hence lots of things named Whitestone, especially the cheese factory where we did a tasting). The self guided walk around the key buildings took a good couple of hours and we loved the opera house (see pic) that had a beautifully restored auditorium. Mostly built in late 19th century and now coming to life again. Very friendly people too.
Not just great buildings and nice people but penguins too. Saw a few yellow-eyed penguins (rare) from a distance and lots of little blue penguins (common) very close up.
Stayed in Kiwiana cottage - bedroom bathroom kitchen living room all to ourselves. Very 1940's but luxury for us.
Some fascinating bits of engineering fantasy art by a group called Steampunk - not sure what google would give but have a look.
This is where we got the call from Donna about her getting married on 11 January so spent Saturday morning with the local travel agent (from South Zeal, would you believe) fixing flights from Cambodia back to Oz! Will have 5 days to plan a wedding.
Drove up to Akaroa on the Banks peninsula for Saturday night. This is a little piece of France less than 100km from Christchurch. Also very pretty (other pic).
Typing this in Christchurch airport while we wait for our flight to Sydney then on to Bangkok. Will send from next WiFi hotspot.
Have really enjoyed our month in NZ - will definitely come back for longer some day. Highly recommended! May post more pics from a proper computer.
Sent from my HTC
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