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Having packed up I headed north from Oamaru. My first stop was at the recommended Riverstone Kitchen. I had scrambled eggs, with truffle oil and hot smoked salmon. The serving was huge and I couldn't finish it!
I continued north to Timaru where I visited the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre. I was greeted by a very enthusiastic Maori chap called Carl. He gave me a full introduction and kept coming over to give me more details about things. It was fascinating to discuss things with him and I've learnt much more than if I'd just walked around on my own. I even got to do a brass rubbing on flax paper of the great bird man, watch out Gaz, it's going up on the wall! I would highly recommend this centre to anyone wanting to learn about Maori culture.
Onwards and upwards... I drove along lots of very straight road across the Canterbury plains. Quite possibly the dullest road ever, worse than the A303, AND, it seemed to go on forever. The radio drove me to distraction with all its adverts, so I was pleased when I could turn off towards the Banks Peninsula. The weather at this point was lovely and I was happily reacquainting myself with sun and warmth!
To reinstate some balance in my driving day I chose to take the higher and more interesting road to Akaroa. The peninsula is the result of a huge volcanic eruption many years ago and the road follows the crater rim. The views down to the harbour were spectacular.
By the time I reached the campsite the clouds had arrived and I put the tent up in the rain. Determined not to get too wet on my last NZ camping night I used the shared kitchen to prepare supper with the help of superwok.
Still raining... I decided to wuss out of walking and drove to the town. The rain eventually eased and I decided to go for a stroll along the waterfront. I was rewarded with some lovely light, which I hope you can see in my pictures. I'm sure Akaroa is beautiful in the sun, but I'm afraid I'm unlikely to see it as the car has to be back in Christchurch by noon tomorrow.
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