New Zealand Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

We woke to a freezing cold campervan, but this was quickly rectified by turning the heater on full blast, and soon, we were snug as bugs in rugs. First mission of the morning was making breakfast: Dave had chosen the easy option of muesli and milk, but I had decided to set myself a challenge and make porridge; it turned out to be pretty straightforward once I had gone outside to turn the gas canister on and found all the cooking equipment. A yummy warm breakfast to start a cold day.

We decided to take a trip into Christchurch and follow a walk recommended by the trusty (if somewhat misleading Lonely Planet - see Perth trip. In an hour or so we had seen most of what Christchurch had to offer - we climbed the spire of the cathedral, saw the Floral Clock (yes, a clock made of flowers), and even saw Maori people doing a version of the haka. All very riveting stuff.

Soon it was time to drive to the airport to pick up Skins and begin our journey down south. First stop was Lake Tekapo, west of Christchurch. We didn't arrive until around 6pm and by this time Skins was jetlagged and very hungry. We found a lovely little restaurant called Pepe's with a roaring fireplace and settled down with a yummy plate of pasta and a few drinks. This was followed by the three of us snuggled up in the van (now christened Billy) watching the beginning of Drag Me To Hell, which, yes, is as bad as it sounds.

It was the first time with the three of us in the campervan, and with Skins' jetlag and a cramped bed, it wasn't a good night's sleep. All I remember is being woken up every hour by Skins either saying "turn off the heater" or "Dave can you lie on your side". Next night was my turn in the middle then...