Saturday, April 2, 2011

Okains Bay

Having received a tip from a gal in Akaroa, we head over to Okains Bay to visit the Maori and Colonial Museum. As far as we can figure, the museum has the most extensive collection of Maori artifacts in the whole of the South Island and it is a real treat to take our time and wander through.









If you are in New Zealand make sure to go and support this underfunded treasure — heck a cup of tea is included in the admission price! It truly was one of the best museums we've been to.











We lunch down at the beach in the lovely scenic reserve and then take a walk along the old wharf road. No wharfs actually exist in Okains Bay now — although there are remnants of them left to be viewed.











We watch a small blow hole spout water as the tide comes in and then, thankfully, the sun finally makes an appearance and we are at last able to shed our toques and mittens (yes, fall is here now!).

We take the scenic Summit Road drive back to Akaroa along the top ridge. Spectacular views await our eyes at every turn!



After setting ourselves up in a prime spot at the campsite, we walk down into town to mail some postcards. In the lovely park there, we meet another four legged friend who is happy to oblige with some snuggling!




On our way home, Keir stops at a small cafe and decides on the spot that this is where we will have our last special meal out in New Zealand. He makes a reservation and dabs away the drool.

The Little Bistro is a treat for sure. Small (room for about 24 people in total) and intimate and abounding with good smells, we indulge in our last meal out.








What a scrumptious meal it is! The chef is originally from Wales and moved here to raise his family with his Kiwi born wife. This fellow knows what he is doing. The pumpkin, leek and pea risotto is gorgeous and the sweet and sour blackberry dessert "soup" is sublime. Our kind server even brings over some homemade fijoia liqueur — this stuff is better than limoncello!

Thankfully, we chose to walk down from our campsite so we enjoy a lovely night walk back stargazing and looking down on the twinkly town of Akaroa from above. Sweet dreams indeed!

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