Lake Tekapo / Benmore Dam

Having left Christchurch we headed south and then west, our first destination was Tekapo. Tekapo is most famous for its lake - it is a really blue lake due to the remnants of the glacier within.

Also there is a brass statue in recognition of the border collie dog, without which the farmers wouldnat have been able to use the land

In the evening we went to the on the sky at night tour, Tekapo is famous for its clear sky, from the observatory we could use the telepscopes and see mars and pluto and the milkyways and constellations, the last two which we managed to get some good photo's

SOUTH ISLAND TRIP

On the 11 May we departed on our trip around the south island, I got a camper van (technically a self contained motor home and set off.

Akaroa

Akaroa is a small town on the east coast near to Christchurch, it was inhabited by the French and due to this they are still french flags flying and the streets are named after french places. Whilst there we went on the Black Cat Harbour cruise, during this we saw seals, albatross, penguins and the rare hector dolphins swimming around the pacific.

Christchurch

Christchurch is known as the garden city, it is located on the South Island. Its most famous for its botanical garden which is within the city centre.

Christchurch is very "English" you can go punting on the river avon.

QUICK STOP IN WELLINGTON

I had to stop off in Wellington for a week for a MP conference.... i luckily only had to give one presentation so had some time to go for a quick trip around the city centre

Mount Rotorua

During the visit to Rotorua and the surrounding area we stayed at a camp site over looking a nice lake, it was nice in the morning to wake up to a good view

Whilst there we also visted a nearby beach