So south we go again......Via the first French settlement in New Zealand, Akaroa. It's out to the east of Christchurch and is on a volcanic peninsula, formed some 12 million years ago. It's a nice enough place, but not a vast amount to do except wander around the small town and a quick coffee and we're off on the road to Timaru. On the way out of Akaroa we stopped at a place called Barry's Bay cheese which is a locally famous cheese making unit. We had enjoyed the free tasters but couldn't afford the whole block so quietly left through the window (!) Because Akaroa is on a volcanic peninsula the scenery is spectacular with large lush rolling hills and open sea bays all around.

So with Akaroa now ticked off we head south to Timaru. The drive down the east coast is fairly straight forward in the most literal of senses - the road is dead straight so no confusion on which way you're heading I guess?!?!?? After a couple of hours of self amusement in the van we arrive in Timaru. A pretty sleepy town inbetween Christchurch and Dunedin. The town is here to service the local farmers and was set up by Whalers and then turned into an agricultural shipping port. A quick stop at the South Canterbury museum - which was very informative on local rock formations and the history of fashion in Timaru!!! More interesting is the Richard Pearse display, a local man who was unrecorded as being the first person to fly in 1902. In the muesum there is a replica of his plane, which was made out of bamboo and scrap metal. He also made the engine himself from scratch, which was the first 2 stroke petrol engine made.

Enough culture and back to the campsite for mindless NZ tv!