Depart Brisbane Airport Flight NZ206 1810
Arrive Christchurch 2315

Days 1 & 2
Day one saw us depart Brisbane relatively stress free process with not too much on our hands waiting. We arrived at Christchurch late on a chilly evening after an uneventful flight. Best part was we obviously scored premium economy seats as there was plenty of leg room. As it was a relatively new plane we thought they had actually thought of passenger comfort but on a trip to the loo we discovered a mere few rows back leg room was the usual bare minimum. In discussion with our lady from immigration on arrival, the girls had mentioned the earth quake and how bad it was to hear what had happed and was there still after shocks? She replied that actually there was one about 10.30pm. Charlotte’s eyes wide as saucers asked what it was like and she said like a large truck rumbling by. Jacq’s eyes lit up in awe. On discussion with Lynda our van lady we discovered that the 10.30 one had her a little concerned and was glad we were still in the air and there had been two others during the night. I was oblivious to them although I hadn’t slept well Cos thought he had felt one. So there is one for the books we have experienced earthquake aftershocks.

Once through customs we contacted the accommodation we were staying in to organize our pick up. We found where the pickup place was. The bus was full but returned in about 10 minutes to collect us and two other passengers. Great service at that time of night. Highly recommend the Airport Lodge Motel. 9.30 this morning saw Lynda pick us up at the motel and take us across to Affordable Motor Homes to pick up our van, finalize our contract and give us some great advice. Off we went to buy groceries and supplies. Food is cheap by Australian standards, and exchange rate helps as well.

Finally we hit the road, on our way, we decided on Lake Tekapo. After taking in wonderful views of the snow capped Southern Alps, glorious fields, valleys, quaint townships, sheep, alpacas, cows and deer we arrived at Lake Tekapo late in the afternoon. A glorious green lake greeted us through the trees. Unfortunately it was too late in the day to explore and although the day was not too cold once the sun began to set and the wind picked up it also grew cold quickly. The other thing with a campervan, it is much harder to drive around to do things. Also it was first in best dressed so once we were in our van site we couldn’t go back out.

So here we sit in the van while it rains outside writing this hearing the rain on the roof is wonderful. We look forward to exploring the Lake area in the morning. The girls are keen ice skate and bath in the hot springs. Cos is keen to check out the old church by the lake.

To contact us - email at cosmel@internode.on.net or leave comment on this blog. Mobile contact emergency only recieving messages fine outgoing painful.