At last a warm day! Temperatures got up into the 20s today! It wasn't that warm when we left Lake Tekapo - still only about 14c but the temperature steadily climbed as we headed for Christchurch.

Church of The Good Shepherd

We made a quick visit to the church near the lake in Tekapo before leaving - just ahead of the hoards of tourists who seemed to arrive as we left. It is a lovely little church with a plain glass window behind the altar which overlooks the lake and mountains beyond. I think it would be hard to concentrate on the sermon!

Landscape beginning to flatten

We had coffee in Geraldine and lunch in Ashburton. The scenery between the two gradually became much flatter. The last section to Christchurch was particularly flat, with long straight roads.

We managed to weave our way round Christchurch using rather inadequate maps, until we got to our latest accommodation - a B&B near the beach. This is a lovely place with very modern rooms and we share a garden area with Joan and John. Although we can't see the sea it is less than 5 mins walk to the long sandy beach, backed by dunes.

Waimari Beach - our local seaside

Tonight, after our meal at a local restaurant, we decided to drive the short distance to Christchurch pier in New Brighton. We thought we might walk down it but when we arrived there were two fantastic sand sculptures on the promenade and when we investigated further there were loads more on the beach itself. So instead of walking down the pier we walked along the beach looking at the sand art!

One of the two sand sculptures

We are now back in our room and enjoying a cup of tea before getting an early night in preparation for a very busy day tomorrow. I won't spoil that by telling you what we are planning though - you will have to wait!