Sweet Sorrow - Akaroa

I have just eaten the best venison that I have ever had. Having left Wanaka, I flew to Christchurch, where I picked up a hire car. After a pleasant lunch looking onto Christchurch's huge park, I headed for Akaroa. There is a terrific cosmopolitan restaurant called C'est la Vie, which has sustained me in memorable style.

I stayed in Wanaka for longer than I had planned to, but had a great time. It was sad to leave Emma and her family. Circumstances have meant that I know Emma less than I would have wished. This trip has afforded the opportunity of putting that right. She and her family made me very welcome. I had a bit of a "wobble" when I arrived, travelling alone for the first time since 1975, but their warm welcome and company soon put paid to that.

I shall long remember my farewell supper. One of Pete and Emma's guests, Simon (a doctor!) stayed on and on.... I lasted until about 1 am and felt the consequences in the morning. Pete played the perfect host and saw Simon off. My goodbye was a short affair!

So thank you Emma, Pete, Hank and Finn. I was privileged to share your lives for a while and enjoyed it very much. We look forward to seeing you in Europe, although I suspect that a ski assignation in the US will happen first.

Akaora is beautiful. It is on the Banks Peninsula, to the south-east of Christchurch. The peninsula is volcanic in origin and hence lumpy. The buildings are old weatherboard and quaint with it. The harbour setting is wonderful - only wish I had a boat here.

Tomorrow I shall probably walk the first day of the Banks Peninsula Track both ways before heading back to C'est la Vie in the evening. I may kayak on Sunday morning before heading north to Marlborough and the Queen Charlotte track.