We then drove on to our Christmas base. Now many friends were under the impression that we would be deserting the Mighty and settling into the luxury of a four or five star hotel with all mod cons and a restaurant. Unsurprisingly that was not to be! Hotels, as we know them in England, do not seem to feature in NZ in the same way especially in the more remote areas. Mark booked us into a Top Ten holiday camp for two nights and we remained faithful to the Mighty and all the facilities that she has to offer.

Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula was lovely. Although first discovered by the French it was claimed by the English but the village does still have a strong French influence even flying the French flag.

The setting was stunning

even the view from the Mighty, (before late arrivals blotted it somewhat)

Because of the earthquake the cruise ships have decided not to use Lyttleton and now use Akaroa. On Christmas Eve there were two liners (Princess Cruises and Holland America) anchored off and between them they have about 3,000 passengers most of whom seemed to be in the village. By late afternoon they had gone and it was peaceful and charming. a lovely beach

some pretty houses, cafes etc

and even a church, called St Peter’s 

We soon settled in to camp life and chatted with a German woman (Steph), her Spanish husband (Eli) and their 11 month bay Rafael.

Opposite were Adam and Kate with three year old twins Arthur and Rose. They were from south of Bristol, had a house in Perranporth, knew one of Mark’s ex collegaues in Savills, Truro and knew Flushing!!

We went to the midnight service, facetimed Tom, Henry and George on Christmas day and had a BBQ in the evening. Hot baths were not on the agenda!!

We departed on Boxing day morning and drove back round the banks Peninsula towards Christchurch and then South