A scenic route to Christchurch

It was raining lightly when we stepped out for breakfast.  We had a nice walk around another part of the town admiring the old architecture that has been nicely preserved.  We found the Tee’s Street Café where we had a very nice breakfast after which we returned to the hotel and checked out. 

 

Bev was keen to go shopping in the historic precinct and as shopping is not something I am fond of, we agreed that I would sit in the café and write my blog whilst she did that.  It is a brilliant arrangement which prevents irritation and impatience.  An hour and a half later she arrived back with few purchases but satisfied to have done lots of browsing.  I had expected an armload of bags but there was only one!

Various photos from our walk back from the café to the hotel

 

We headed north stopping for a delicious pumpkin and parmesan soup at Riverstone Café before continuing through to Timaru and turning off toward Geraldine, and then travelling north toward Mt Hutt and Methven on the scenic route.  The mountains were showing signs of spring with the snow clearly melting away. 

 

The route took us past the turn-off to the ski field at Mt Hutt and toward the Rakaia Gorge where we stopped for the customary snaps.  It is quite windy as accelerates through the gorge. 

Rakaia Gorge looking downstream

Rakaia Gorge looking upstream

 Our final destination was Christchurch where we stayed with a couple of friends who were flatmates when I was Otago University.  It was very pleasant night with good food and superb wine.  For those who might be interested we had vintage Champagne Castelnau 2006 blanc de blanc and I am sure we could have easily downed another bottle. However, we had an outstanding Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2013 that surprised our wine connoisseur who rated it very highly.  Then it was a Fromm La Strada Clayvin 2000 Pinot Noir that was very moreish.  The wine connoisseur and expert thought it had oxidised, but a little air had proven that wrong.  It was silky and the length and aftertaste were superb.  I could have helped drink another bottle of it.