Sunday 15 November

I was awake early, so enjoyed a walk along the beach by myself then a wander through the local cemetary. There is a slight drizzle and a definite chill to the air down here on this southern peninsula.

After the usual breakfast routine, we undertook a fairly boring and uneventful drive, broken only by a stop at a local market along the way.

The weather looked quite grim (apparently it is snowing in the west) until we headed through some backroads towards Akaroa - on the Banks Peninsula. Like much of New Zealand - that retains the feel of its European settlers, this area was settled by the French. Although very touristy, it is also very beautiful.

With a vast lake in the basin of what is a long extinct volcano, surrounded by the soaring mountains it is a mecca for shops, boating, fishing etc. Some of the French culture is retained with shops and street names retaining their French labels.

We spent a few hours wandering through the shops and Jake was pleased with a less touristy tiki he managed to buy for his Dad for only $26!

We stayed at a nearby Top 10 Holiday Park, which was perched on the hillside above Akaroa. As a result there were fabulous views over the mountains, lake and township. Unfortunately we did not have a front row seat, but were still able to walk through other vans to enjoy this view. There is also a track that leads down to the township, but we are too tired to be bothered.... Instead we opt to relax around the camp ground - something which went a long way to ensuring peace in the ranks. As it is our last night, a cook-up of leftovers resulted in a fairly tasty mince concoction which was devoured before showers. The usual evening nibbly snack and wine - once again 'whatever is left over', while also starting some preliminary sorting ready for packing in the morning.

Our trip is coming to an end.