Banks Peninsula

This weekend we took off to Banks Peninsula (just off the rattled city of Christchurch) for a quick 2 day R&R.  The whole peninsula was created from 3 volcanoes that erupted long ago, creating lakes, harbors, finger-like mini peninsulas and beautiful bays.  We were skeptical of the weather forecasts for sun, seeing as how all day Friday was drizzly and cool, but we lucked out!  With the ipod queued, map on my lap, and a warm bottle tucked behind Isaac’s seat, we headed north.  Soon the flat pains of the Canterbury region turned to rolling hills and then….boom!  The little towns of Duvauchelle and Akaroa appeared just off the crystal blue harbor.  Originally a French settlement in the mid-late 1800’s, Akaroa’s charm in quite entrancing.  You can see French architecture, listen to French music, walk on French named streets, dine in French restaurants, and (if that isn’t enough) purchase souvenirs imported directly from France (yes, Eifel towers, aprons, and cook books galore).  Oh, and a little Carla Bruni on the ipod was perfect for our drive, of course (that and Cold Play’s “Paradise” – the apparent theme song to our trip due to its frequent repeats). 

Overlooking Akaroa Harbor

(The monument pictured has suffered some earthquake damage and is being repaired)

After a good taste of Akaroa we headed to Okains Bay where we were to camp that night.  The views on the drive over were stunning, as was the bay itself.  With a stake-and-claim approach to campsites (literally) we found a great place in the pine trees to set up the tent and took a quick look at the beach (right through a grassy path only 50 yards or so from our tent).  A-mazing!  I cooked some dinner, the kids played, we ate, then returned to the beach the fly a kite and relax a little.  It was just simply beautiful…and relaxing.  That night the stars were magnificent and we all slept well…perfect!  We awoke to crashing waves and the sun warming our tent (well actually Isaac woke us up by tapping our faces and babbling, but who doesn’t mind being woken up by something as wonderful as that?).  What a pleasant moment.  That morning we packed up and took one last stroll along the beach, which then led into a hike along the lava rock path along the bay skirts.  Beautiful.

Okains Bay



Okains Bay - we camped just behind the first row of pine trees on the beach side.  Amazing.

From Okains Bay we travelled on a little road connecting an adjacent bay (Little Akaloa).  As we climbed along Okains I wanted to stop and take a picture of the campground from up high but was amazed to find it even more beautiful that we thought.  After some more spectacular views of the coast (and seeing the mountains of the Kaikoura region off in the distance), we reached Little Akaloa Bay (population 10 or so) and stopped for picnic lunch on the beach under the shade of some enormous trees with tire swings.  We saw very few people and enjoyed watching an older couple get out of their car and take a dip in the bay.  Nice.



Little Akaloa Bay - our picnic spot

The drive back was just as stunning and picturesque.  We wish we could visit Banks Peninsula again, but sadly we will just not have the time.  Yes, it is already time to think about leaving this beautiful country in 2 months….and we are in a sad state of denial. 



We sure hope remembers New Zealand well, although it's (sadly) unlikely.