Rocks on the beach

While in Greymouth we went to the beach right behind our caravan park and skipped stones. SV was watching us before she gave it a try as well. She got the hang of it as evidenced by the photographs below.

Leaving NZ

After a great holiday it is finally time to say good bye to New Zealand and head home. We just had an early breaky at the airport and we are about to board the plane.

Montheit's Brewery

When we got to the west coast of NZ we went slightly north to Greymouth to visit the Montheit's brewery. We took the tour and SV had fun playing with a big toy box they supplied for kids. Since it was a warm day the brewery unfortunately didn't have their big fire going. Uncle Richie even got into the action by being a responsible baby sitter.

On the beach in Akaroa

We are hanging out on the beach in the bay at Akaroa. It was a short drive from Christchurch along a gorgeous little windy road. SV enjoyed the playground and the beach rather than the kitschy art galleries.

Arthur's Pass hike

Heading out of Arthur's Pass we did a hike into on of the valleys towards a stream which started high up in the peaks. SV enjoyed the walk but also liked being carried by both TV and KT. After having a lovely picnic we went to a great lookout over the valley we were about to drive through. Richie got into the photograph somehow as well.

Hot springs and lunch

We went to our last hot springs of the trip and spent quite a while swimming. Our only break was to go and have sushi for lunch. SV really had a lot of fun in the warm water.

Hiking uphill and to the waterfall

While in Arthur's Pass we did a few hikes despite the light rain. We hiked up part way up a mountain, sometimes having to use our hands to assist. We got a great view of the valley below and the surrounding mountains wrapped in clouds. We also did an easier hike to a waterfall while doing a couple of river crossings. SV was not only happy to walk most of the way, in fact she insisted on it. She didn't want to be carried, only when it got too steep and we forced her to sit in the backpack. She is turning into quite the little hiker, she is even learning camouflage techniques.

Kayaking on Lake Tekapo

We hired a two person kayak at Lake Tekapo. Interestingly SV grabbed a paddle and climbed right into a kayak. We aren't sure exactly how she knew how to do it. Once we got going she helped out with a bit of paddling. She had a great time but eventually succumbed to the gentle rocking motion drifted off to sleep.
PS. the water really was that brilliant blue colour.

Arthur's Pass cabin

We spent two nights in TV's friend's cabin in Arthur's Pass. SV and Richie both took to it like ducks to water. We made friends with the big stuffed deer head and took advantage of having a fireplace. SV also really liked the bunk beds although she was only allowed on the top bunk with supervision.

Jungle SV

We stopped for lunch today near a stream which created a lovely setting with trees and flowers. Richie went exploring and naturally SV wanted to follow. She decided to play it sage and being her own camouflage again.

Cave walk

After leaving Hanmer Springs we headed to Arthur's Pass but on the way we stopped to do a quick walk where we saw but did not crawl through a cave system. Mostly because we didn't have wet suits and ropes. We did have a look at the spectacular mountain scenery and the entrance to the cave system. SV had a good time especially when she got to walk.

Cruising on Milford Sound

We took a rainy cruise Milford Sound which ended up being really good. We saw seals, penguins and dolphins along with a heap of waterfalls. The train didn't deter SV or the rest of us from taking in the views. In fact SV has taken a real liking to the rain and umbrellas.

Fiordland

We entered Fiorland which is home to some spectacular scenery including Milford Sound. SV was quite awestruck as were the rest of us.