Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula

Yesterday, we flew north from Dunedin to Christchurch on a twin prop plane with circa 30 passengers. It was a smooth flight, but unfortunately it was too cloudy to get views of the mountains. We collected the motorhome from the Wilderness base in Christchurch. After a thorough briefing which took about 1.5 hours we set off!  The first task was the shopping, and we found our way to the nearest New World supermarket. New World is a bit more expensive, but it was convenient. After working through my preprepared list we eventually got to eat a bought sandwich in the van at about 2.30pm. We set off about 3.0pm, following the google sat nav out of the city on the SH75, signposted for Akoroa. 

We stopped at Little River for a cuppa and to suss out the deli, we will probably shop there on the way back. They’ve got lots of pies, cheese etc. Also some very good craft items and art.

Banks Peninsula is a very hilly peninsula south of Christchurch and it provided some challenging driving for the first day especially as this is the biggest vehicle,I have ever driven! The first part of the route is on the level then it goes up a very twisty steep road. Our route took us along the ridge with beautiful views down the the Sound with a Holland American cruise ship anchored on the bay. 

Eventually we turned off south down another narrow steep twisting road, lots of hairpin bends!!! Fortunately this van has a button to presss for steep up and down, and I used it! Hopefully it will work well when we have to drive out tomorrow!

The van is much more spacious than we have had before, with fixed beds at the back. There is plenty of storage including a huge ‘garage’ at the back, utilising the space under the beds. We could have brought big suitcases! We have been supplied with outdoor table, chairs and gas bbq, gps and a Wi-fi router, but we are off grid here at Okains Bay. It will come in useful later on.

       

   

As you will see from the pics, we have already made ourselves at home. It took a couple of hours to unpack when we got here, but now we don’t have to unpack or pack for three weeks!

The Okains Bay campsite is located on land with the beach on one side and the tidal river on another. We are camped near the river. The site is big, with lots of families here, but it is not too noisy. It is ideal for kids with safe bathing, sand and good playground facilities.

The weather today has been sunny and cloudy.

We walked into the village this morning and visited the Museum which is crammed full of Maori and Colonial artefacts. About 4.5 miles round trip.

     
A busy Saturday morning on the beach!                                                       Old fencing, typical countryside 

Total km so far:  Not sure!! 

Sunday: Just driven back to Christchurch. Made it up and down the hills without a problem! Our grey water wouldn’t drain, so we are back at the base for it to be sorted.