Leaving Hanmer for Kaiapoi

Tuesday 16 June

The rain finally stopped overnight so in the morning the pack-up was not too soggy. We left Hanmer under largely blue skies and the route down to Culverden was stunning - following the Waiau Uwha River for much of the way, and the rain had swollen the waters so it was looking fabulous. There was a fascinating red lime quarry along the way - apparently it is known as Hanmer Marble in this area.

A third pie choice for Louis from the Culverden Bakery (Steak and Onion Dip with added chippies on top!) then we pushed on towards the coast and down to Kaiapoi. We pulled into Treehouse Retreat just before lunchtime (surprised to find it quite full with 5 other vans in residence) and Louis settled in to eat his pie and watch the All Whites in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup. Great excitement when they scored first then took the lead again just after half time - a win would have been phenomenal, but the draw was great against a team 65 places higher in the world rankings!

I took a walk to Kaiapoi Lakes to see the black swans, coots, honk/wahs and pāpango ducks then we headed into Rangiora for our usual combo of swim for him and laundry for me.

Ella joined us for pork chops for dinner in Banjo (sadly Josh was not feeling good) and then we binged more of Downton… so enjoyable!