Day 15 - 18: Oamaru to Wellington

You may well ask yourselves where are the silly buggers?

We left Oamaru on the 28th, heading for Christchurch. Our stay in the 1860's Empire Hotel was OK, (photo to right shows Paul parking bike next to Empire Hotel). Unfortunately the forecast was for light drizzle, and that is what we had for most of the morning. We arrived in Christchurch, cold and damp, but my lovely Auntie and Uncle showed us a warm welcome. They took us for a drive around Christchurch to see some of the earthquake damage, I didn't feel a need to photograph it, it was all very sad.

What amazes me is the attitude and the continuity of the people.

We left for Kaikoura the next morning after a warm family evening. The ride was lovely, with lots of sunshine, but a wee bit chilly. We stopped in Kaikoura for lunch and a look at the

Seal colony ( bike parked at Seal Colony), but it did not really appeal so we continued on to Blenheim. We spent Thursday night at a lovely backpackers called the Vines in Blenheim. Then on to Picton on Friday for a stay at the Villa backpackers and a good stomp around Picton and the Waikawa Marina. On our way back

from looking at the boats we bumped into a couple we met about 3 years ago on a yacht called Vitoria, again we realise what a small world it is.

Up at 7 this morning to be at the ferry terminal by 9am, the photo to the right is Picton waterfront at about 8.15am.

We then drove over to the ferry terminal and parked up waiting for the ferry loading.We met with a group of other bikers who had also done a tour of the South Island, but they did it in 7 days. They were a hoot. Also a young American chappy who had just bought his motorbike from Dunedin.

I love the ferry trip, but then we had very good weather both crossings. The Marlborough sounds are beautiful. Anyway the photo to right is Paul and the other bikers ready to off load from the ferry in Wellington.

Tonight we are at the Downtown Backpackers on Waterloo Quay. We have had a look at Te Papa, the Parliament buildings, and walked some of Central Wellington this evening. Tonight there was a Hurricanes rugby game at the "Cake Tin", so town was hiving. Very exciting, but not really our cup of tea. Big trip tomorrow we are hoping to get to Hamilton, will see how our butts hold out.