Camper Van Part 11

The Sacred Heart in Reefton















A day at the races in Greymouth

Anett and Camper Van

The weather during our trip was very varied, mostly all sunshine but we did have two days of heavy rain. When it rains here it rains.

Our first stop was Kaikoura. This brought many memories to Arnett as he and auntie Evelyn came here often as it was the route to the top of the South Island and Wellington. This is the place where you can go and whale watch for a $150 dollars. Arnett said you get a better view on the telly and it is a few miles out to sea and if its rough it is not worth the money to get sea sick. As I love the sea only to look at rather than being on it or in it, I quite agree. The beach itself is all pebbles and is very hard to walk on but while trying to we manage to catch a school of dolphins playing just 300 yards away. The campsite though near the beach was near the train lines. During the night Arnett woke up and said that there was an earthquake happening as the van shook from side to side. I told him to go back to sleep as it was only the goods train passing through. Why are campsites invariable near train lines and motor ways?

Our next stop was Blenheim which used to be a lovely little town with a good train station. I am afraid that the only good thing in Blenheim, was the train station. Because of development the town has actually become very ugly. Whereas before there was a typical old worldly New Zealand rural town there is now a hotchpotch of ugly warehouse buildings all linked together with unkempt and treacherous footpaths. I am afraid to say it was here that we met the most impolite drivers towards pedestrians. I actually remonstrated with one young girl for not being polite to an old person trying to dodge the rain. I was answered back in a tirade of bad language, which seems to be a trait of the young white drivers in the South Island. There seems to be no sense of respect or helpfulness, for other road users. As for giving way to anyone forget it. We were quite happy to get out of Blenheim and felt it was a big mistake even stopping there, though the country side out of the town is fine, though even that is being spoilt as miles and miles of vineyards are quickly appearing and usurping the local terrain and fauna.

The weather spoilt our day in Picton. Picton is a lovely little town and is really the port where the Wellington ferry goes from. However before the ferry crosses the Cook Straits it has to go slowly through the Marlborough sounds. On a sunny day there wouldn't be anything nicer to do at Picton than to get on the mail boat and cruise along to all the little islands, coves and inlets that the boat takes the mail to. It is very relaxing and picturesque but on a wet and drizzly day it would be awful. We sat in the camper van for an hour and watched the big ferry come in then made are way to Nelson taking the scenic route on Queens Charlotte Drive. Though very scenic it was a hard drive because of the wind and rain, though there were some bright spots now and again. Very beautiful in parts despite the weather and it is superb in the Sunshine.

Reached Nelson and the weather cheered up. Nelson again used to be a lovely town but yet again is being spoilt with the random building policy that seems to be everywhere in New Zealand, though thankfully they have not touched the core centre of the town, but slowly the centre is being circled by the warehouse mindset that is over here. They have a beautiful cathedral square here with the cathedral dominating as it sits on a small hill. There are some traditional colonial building that thankfully have been restore and they enhance the town. I have been to Nelson before and we only stopped here to catch up with some people I knew from Guernsey but they were away and we missed each other.

After spending a night in the campsite watching the rain, in the morning we went to Rabbit Island, Molueka and Kaiteriteri. Kaiteriteri was outstanding with the campsite just next to the beach which had golden sand. The day was beautiful with hot sunny weather and we spent the day on the beach just relaxing and talking. If you ever come over here this is a must place to visit as it is relaxing, the campsite is good and the people friendly, there are good walks and you can take a cruise for $50 around all the little bays that surround the area which takes eight hours. We didn't know this until it was too late otherwise we would have done it. I watched a beautiful sunrise here at six in the morning which was stunning. After breakfast we went touring up to the top of the island through Takata and the last village Collingwood. The drive was spectacular and we went up Takata mountain which here they only call a big hill. On the top there were stunning views of the whole Takata valley, which need to be seen. Takata was a one street town in many senses and has managed to keep it identity. it reminds me of the New Zealand township that places like Blenheim and Nelson used to be like. Well worth a visit more so than Nelson and Richmond which are losing their identity.

We returned to Nelson and Richmond but still failed to catch up with Louise, maybe next time! Stayed in a campsite that was very boring and the only thing that I can relate to you about it was a silly thing that I did. In the morning I had to fill the water tank in the van so I got in the cab and drove away only to observe that people trying to stop me and waving at me frantically. When I stopped I realised that I had left the electric lead plugged in and now it was tugged out and in bits. It was only the night before that I was saying I cannot understand how you could do that. Murphy's law! I was lucky as there was a young Bavarian electrician on the campsite who repaired everything for me.

Our tour today took us to Murchison and again it was raining. Arnie said we were heading for Reefton and the sun has always shone when he had been there. It rained and rained all the way there and when we arrived it stopped as though to prove Arnett right. The sun came out but only briefly and before long there was another deluge. Eventually it eased and we were able to call into the Church and meet Fr Philip and brother Martin who seemed to have been expecting us last week so were surprised to see us, but that didn't phase them out and they invited us for supper. Had a lovely evening with them talking about all and sundry until the rugby came on and then the first religion of New Zealand took over.

Reefton is a country town in the valley at the bottom of the Lewis pass. Again it is a one street township and if the sun was shining one would think that we were in a wild west town in America. All the buildings are one or two story high all different colours and shapes but unlike Blenhielm all blend in with each other to give a good period feel about the place. Surrounded by lush green hills and bush it makes for a pleasant oasis in the valley. The next day after celebrating Mass in the Sacred Heart Church we went to Greymouth for a day at the races of trotting. Did not pick one winner but enjoyed ourselves. A real country meeting far removed from Ascot, here everybody knew everyone and even somebody knew me from Ashburton. They gave me a tip Shamrock Girl but it went for a gallop and that was the end of my $4. (about £1.50) The weather here was lovely and sunny though the wind was a little bit bitting. Stayed in a quaint little campsite in Ikamatua then in the morning through Reefton which was ablaze with sunshine through the Lewis Pass and Hamner Springs and back to Christchurch. All in glorious Technicolour as it was a beautiful day. So our little holiday had finished. Though tiring at times for Arnett we both enjoyed it as it gave us great quality time together and enjoy each others company. Thank you Lord.