Tremors towards Dunedin

Arriving in Hamner was a beautiful experience. Gorgeous pine forest on a crisp autumnal day. Andy offered to babysit while I visited the hot springs, so I passed a blissful few hours in the bubbles as the sun came down. 

Hamner Forest

It was just a brief stop though as we went further around the peninsula to Christchurch and stayed with friends of friends from Waihi beach. On the way getting a speeding fine for going 13 km over the limit (approx 8 mph!). It was here that we had our first earthquake experience, a tremor (aftershock) over dinner. Small in comparison to the effects they've since felt. Although we wanted to support tourism there, it was difficult so we passed via the city and along the eastern coastline; which although very picturesque, strangely eerie as so many of the houses were obviously deserted.

Looking back to Christchurch

It was just a few hours drive along the peninsula before reaching the pretty town, of French origin - Akaroa, more good eateries and walks. Still signs of tectonic movement, here's Andrew outside the temporary Earthquake Commission building.

Evie having  a great time in Akaroa

Onwards on our mission to see the yellow eyed penguins in Oamaru, but couldn't pass through without spending a night in Geraldine, in honor of Mum McIntosh. It's a pretty town, but our accommodation - named 'Grumpys' holiday park, did indeed make us feel grumpy - freezing cold and in bunkbeds, only one thing for it - to drink wine!

Clare, grumpy!

It was all worth it on arrival to Oamaru, a surprisingly interesting Victorian town.
We took Evie to the pretty botanical gardens, whisky tasting, superb Forrester art gallery and lastly to visit the penguins at dusk in the blustery winds. We were lucky enough to see them waddle up the beach and nest in the cliff top.

Evie goes for Dad's whisky

Evie's had a few too many!

Spot the penguin

As we left Oamaru for Dunedin, we found ourselves at the obligatory tourist spot 'Moeraki Boulders'. 9am and extremely windy, we marvelled at the spherical stones - up to 3m in diameter.