Hanmer Springs to Gore Bay

Wednesday, February 6th, after a rest day in Hanmer Springs we decided to head south down the east coast of the South Island. We were trying to work our way into Christchurch. The ride out of Hanmer Springs was of course, breathtaking. The area reminded us of the great Northwest...most likely due to the pine trees not native to the area. New Zealand is heavily logged...I might have mentioned this in earlier blogs.

We were going to head to Kaikoura (north east of Hanmer Springs on the South Pacific Coast) to swim with the dolphins but they were booked out until next Tuesday. Instead we could catch a trip down in Akaroa, near Christchurch to swim with the Hector dolphins.

Our goal today was Cheviot, the largest town headed in our direction. The first 30 miles was quick, mostly down hill with one hard climb out of Hanmer Springs. Tons of sheep to keep us company. We had one little guy that decided he could out run us...Paul didn't like that he was getting beat so he attacked from the side and won by a stretch! Go Paul!

Once in Cheviot we got word from the locals to camp at Gore Bay, 8 km east of Cheviot on the coast. Well worth the extra ride. Our cheapest campsite yet with showers that had a 3 minute ration of hot water. Paul threw his back out when the cold water hit...wasn't prepared for it. Poor little buddy's been stiff ever since. Over dinner we met Brad and Sue from Christchurch who were on holiday surfing at Gore Bay. Super, great people who've spent tons of time in the states at various ski slopes teaching their skills to others. It was great hearing them rattle off familiar NW territories. They gave us their phone number so we could hook up in Christchurch. Definitely!