Arthur's Pass

After a night in Akaroa and a quick morning change of front tyres in Christchurch, we set off for Arthur's Pass, where we would go hiking for a couples of days.

On the way, we passed a beautiful lake, one of many!










... and then arrived in Arthur's Pass. We had a short walk to the Devil's Punchbowl Falls.













The next day, we hiked to the top of Avalanche Peak, at 1833 metres.


From the top of the peak, we could admire a glacier and various snowy mountains.
















This is a kea. So when I saw it, I said "Hi, Kea!" and it replied "I'm not Swedish". Sorry, I had to tell the joke.










This is the hiking track. Anyone afraid of heights?




Arthur's Pass township.

Akaroa

Now there's a funny story. The French arrived in Akaroa thinking they'd colonise New Zealand. Bad luck, the Brits had heard about it and quickly planted the British flag so that the Froggies would know it was too late. But still, I'm happy to say that the French settled around Banks Peninsula, called the town Port Louis-Philippe, regardless of the perfide albion, and something bleu, blanc and rouge seems to have survived...

Vive la France! Na!















































































Sunrise in Akaroa. Time to leave!







This is an excellent question indeed.

Christchurch

Next on the list: l'eglise de Jesus. So we arrived in Christchurch on February 20th. It is the largest town on the South Island and the most "English" of all. It has something of Cambridge, you'll soon understand why.

Cathedral Square.













The aforementioned Cambridge touch.
















Taking inspiration from Oxford.













I want the same!
















Cathedral Square (again).




Birthday cake and mocha java chip - courtesy of Starbucks Coffee of course.