Last week in NZ

Our last week in New Zealand started with a typical bad-weather-good-weather sequence. We drove to Mount Cook/Aoraki, NZ's highest peak, planning to go for a half day walk upon arrival. Instead we ended up spending the whole day infront of the fire place at the overpriced YHA, hiding from the rain. The next day the sky was blue and the sun was out. We were still suspecious of the weather so we wore long sleeve shirts (which was a mistake.. it was hot!).

It was a nice walk to Hooker Valley, passing by small streams and reaching a lake with small floating icebergs under the great mountain. For some reason this area is very popular with Japanese tourists, who seem to be always well equipped with proper sun protection and nice picnic meals. On the way back we met our friend Claire and made plans for a last meal in Christchurch.

On the way east from Mt. Cook we passed by lake Pukaki with nice reflection of the surrounding mountains.

We spent one night in a quaint little town called Geraldine (famous for having the world's biggest knitted sweater. Another important world record...) in a hostel that used to be a maternity hospital.

The next 4 days were our time to relax and unwind on the beautiful Banks Peninsula (close to Christchurch).

The small town here (Akaroa) was a French settlement and has retained some of the European character. We met some travel buddies (a.k.a the Schlafmuetzen) in the middle of the road and hung out for a while, sipping ice coffee.
Although the water in the bay is quite chilly we decided not to miss the opportunity to swim with the world's smallest dolphins. After being wrapped in wetsuits we jumped to the water and tried to attract their attention. These dolphins have a busy day - they eat a lot and shag up to 30 times a day! Luckily some had a bit of extra time for us. Anita and another girl on the tour sang to them through their snorkels and I tapped two rocks together. Then they started coming in small groups, swimming between us jumping around and being very dolphinish.

We were very lucky with both accommodations we chose. The second even offered fabulous dinners for all the guests. Hmmmm.....
The last 2 days in NZ were city days - Christchurch and Auckland. In Christchurch we had another chance to meet up with Claire for a final dinner at a yummy Burmese restaurant.

We were a bit sad to leave New Zealand. After 6 and a half weeks and 5579 kilometers with our car we felt we really got to know and love the country. Luckily, our next destination is keeping us excited.

Let's go Australia!