Monday 21 March Headed to Hanmer Springs

Kia Ora,

And yes, we have fast, free, fabulous Internet!

We took a morning bus up to Christchurch, bypassing the city to get to the airport.  At arrival, we rented a Toyota Corolla, and once again had wheels.  Now we are at the center of NZ thermal springs, Hanmer Springs (Alpine Pass area, north west of Christchurch).  Nice motel, very near the springs.  Here’s the drill: one uses senior status to buy entry, and joins many others average ages 72, from many countries, in entering one of about 12 cement basins offering hydrotherapy.  Average temperature, about 54 degrees F.  I base this on the outside temp being about 53, so I was anticipating warmth.  Most basins are clear.  Some are sulphurish....maybe a word?  Anyway, lots of sulphur.  Mimi likes these best as she says they have many good minerals.  I note the average color (tea), and clarity level of 3.   I am dubious.  However, we sat in them for a while because Mimi likes them.  Mimi also disagrees with Denny temp assessment. We did have a good time on the slide.

Tomorrow after coffee and a stop at what looks like a deliciously tempting bakery, we will move on to Kaikoura, about a two hour drive from here, to try to spot whales. Then we start a three day rental that will let us move around the Banks Peninsula Akaroa , southeast of Christchurch, where we will spend three nights in a Top Ten campground.   

OK... Set up watching movies. Feels good to be on the road.

Who could pass up this opportunity?

Ah, the irony

The bus from Dunedin to Christchurch

Stopping in Timaru on the way to Christchurch

Oh nooooo, not another veg pie!

Driving to Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs

Our unit

The springs

Yes, of course we went down on this...a blast!

Next time, to the spa after the springs

Cutest little church - Catholic

Our motel

Beautiful views