The amazing Abel Tasman tramp was complete and our time in New Zealand was quickly coming to an end… too quickly.
During our drive back across the south island from Nelson to Christchurch – our final destination – I got rather angry, which isn’t really like me. I think I had good reason to be too. I will try not to rant. Basically the options for food at around the half-way mark of the journey (Springs Junction) was limited to say the least. Out of three rather uninspiring choices we went for a burger from the ‘Burger Revolution’ van. The “gourmet” burgers sounded quite tasty, especially the “vego burger” – a chickpea pattie with hummus, garlic aioli, grilled peppers and lettuce in a bun. I opted for that. I am not vegetarian but love veggie food.
To cut a long story short my burger was diabolical and nothing like what the menu stated. Although the owner stated “we no longer stock the patties, we make it up ‘live’ with beans”, I thought I’d at least get the rest of the ingredients. Nope. I had 2 slices of pineapple, beetroot, relish, lettuce and aioli. Not even any beans. The man was incredibly rude to me when I went to complain. I left shaking with anger. I have since left a very bad review on TripAdvisor.
Anyway, enough rambling about food – I do love food though – we made it to Christchurch and had three nights left together. We were treated so well by my lovely relatives and ate too much (especially cheese!) and drank lots of wine, but hey ho!
We had a little look around the still under-construction city centre – the aftermath of the earthquakes are still very much evident – including the Re:Start Mall made up of colourful shipping containers and food vans, the beach suburb of Sumner and Godley Head, and the cathedral which is still in ruin and awaiting a decision regarding its fate. It’s such a shame.
Christchurch Re:Start Mall
An amazing breakfast was to be had at The Old Vicarage, followed by a drive out to Akaroa which is usually so beautiful with views over the water, but the weather was awful. The day tramp we were going to do wasn’t worth it as there were no views and we needed dry shoes for our flights the next day.
Godley Head Track
Saying goodbye was extremely hard. I was tempted to go home with Dave (he is flying back to England while I go to Australia). I am just telling myself it is a little adventure on my own before I see him again. I can always go home at the end of the day.
The Southern Alps from the plane
Here are some of Dave’s lovely photos from the trip –
Sunset from the Mangatepopo Camp on the Tongariro Northern Circuit great walk
En route from Wanaka to the west coast
Bye bye beautiful New Zealand and hello Australia!
Liz
Love to travel 
Have a great time on OZ. David has told me about your adventures and great family and is missing you already, take care xx
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Thanks Alan. We had an amazing time in NZ together. What a country. I am missing him already too xx
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