Day 6. Driving

 Today was essentially driving.

We checked out of our hotel in Christchurch, filled up with petriol and drove to Nelson. There are a couple of routes - through the mountains, or around the coast. So we decided to go via the mountains (a few minutes shorter) and come back along the coast. It was about a six hour drive and that should be okay but honestly it felt pretty long.

The whole drive was scenic. Essentially along broad, often farmed valleys between high peaks. Though when you're in that scenery it can be hard to find a particular photo. The whole thing is impressive but when you try to find a single view the scale and sweep seems lost.

The best I could do - near Hanmer Springs

We stopped a few times to stretch our legs, including in Murchison where we spent a week, fifteen years ago while I was kayaking. Neither of us could remember anything about the town which is sparse and nondescript. By the time we reached Nelson I was very ready to stop.

We're staying at The Sails, very pleasant apartments in a strip of identical holiday accommodation. After settling in we went in to town and had dinner before getting supplies in the supermarket. Nelson is the only hops growing area in New Zealand which leads to a strong beer producing culture and the town is thick with breweries and pubs.

Me being accosted by a drunk guy in the pub


Location: 7 Trafalgar Street, The Wood, Nelson 7040, New Zealand

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