Day 8 Christchurch, NZ

Breakfast at the hotel was the best spread so far.

Early (8:00 AM) bus pickup. Drove to Banks Peninsula. Short comfort stop on the way in Little River. 

Akaroa is a cute town. Interesting French, British, and Maori history. Drove to the dock for out harbour cruise.

Very friendly crew on the Akaroa Dolphin. Crew was very helpful, except for the dog. He wouldn't be able to help with the life vests. "He's no good with buckles." I sat in the very front with Robin and Bruce. I had my feet dangling off the boat. It got cold very quickly. In addition to serving us beverages and cookies, one of the crew brought us jackets! 

We saw Little (blue) penguins, Hector's Dolphins, fur seals, cormorants, and salmon/paua farming. The sun came out towards the end, which made the cruise back to port very pleasant.

We walked back the way we came into the Akaroa Farmers Market. I tasted some smoked salmon (delicious) and chatted with the jam lady about feijoa fruit paste (tastes like a combo of strawberry, guava and pineapple). 

I went down the street to a little Cafe for a quick bite to eat. I had a huge ham and cheese croissant with a Diet Coke. It hit the spot.

Akaroa Museum: We wandered around the museum that had a lot of detail about the history of the area. Watched a 20-minute video too.

Back on the bus. I snoozed a little until we got to Little River. I went to the general store and got a hokey pokey ice cream cone. It was VERY sweet, but tasty. 

We drove through the Christchurch Red Zone. Thousands of homes were destroyed during the 2011 earthquake. 

We had a few minutes back at the hotel to reorganize. Then Steve took us on a walking tour of Central Christchurch. We saw the Christchurch Cathedral (outside only), new convention center, Kate Sheppard National Memorial, University of Canterbury, Christchurch Arts Centre/Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Bridge of Remembrance, River Promenade Walk, Avon River/Ōtākaro, gondolas closed for the day, Christchurch trams, lots of urban art, and the World Buskers Festival. 

Many of us had drinks in the hotel bar. Dinner was very good. I had salmon appetizer, blue cod for entree, and chocolate brownie for dessert.

I walked across the Cathedral Square to the Heritage Hotel. I had a glass of NZ sparkling rose, while listening to live music (young woman and man).

Back to the room, showered, finished packing. Early day tomorrow; must sleep. 

Photo: Hector's Dolphins