Miramsmeanderings: South Island Thurs 2.4.15 Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

We popped into the Cathedral Mall next door to Quest Apartments for breakfast then pottered about before checking out at 10 am. First we made a visit to the "cardboard" Cathedral. A wonderful building that they say will last up to 50 years if properly cared for. Fascinating architecturally, light filled and airy with such a sense of serenity and peace. From here we walked down to where the 185 chairs are. One for each person killed in the earthquake. It is such a moving sight. Really emotional. To finish our morning we wandered through the Botanical Gardens. A real showpiece of mature huge beautiful trees, swathes of green lawns, flower beds, and shrubs, with Avon River running through. A special place in a devastated city. A fitting end to our Chch visit.

After we delivered John and Julie to the airport we continued on our way to Lake Tekapo. We are going to miss their company. Stops were taken at Ashburton to buy a few food items ( a prosperous looking town) and in Geraldine for a coffee. Geraldine is sweet and pretty little town with a lot of boutique food and clothing shops.

Once we had booked into our BnB in Tekapo (Tekapo HeightsBnb) we drove out to St. John's Observatory on top of a Very high hill. The wind was fierce but the 360 degree views were breathtaking. To big to be able to do justice in a photo. Then drove back to revisit the little church which overlooks the lake. Sadly, it was closed. Decided to stay in the village for dinner as it was already 6pm. Another nice meal. NZ really does food well. Found a clothing/souvenir shop open on the way back to the car and I purchased a warm jacket at a very reasonable price. May need it further south although so far the weather has been surprisingly warm.

Passed along the Canterbury plains today, looking very fertile, then headed inland through some lovely scenery. Rolling green hills always with a mountain back drop.

The church of the Good Shepherd,