Akaroa – Sea to Summit 26th – 28th September
After cancellation of planned trip John teamed up with Judy and Colin and then by chance Christine managed to join up. Accommodation was found and plans came to fruition. After a big Friday night loading up kayaks and bikes we were all set to get away at a leisurely hour on Saturday morning. The weather for Saturday was not the best, cool and cloudy and a moment or two of light drizzly rain. We biked from Motukarara on the Little River bike trail with a stop at Birdlings Flat by the beach for a lunch stop. Eventually arriving at Little River before another spell if light rain. On arrival at Akaroa we checked in to our Bach then set out for a walk about the town. We couldn’t resist the fish n chips cooked fresh on the barbeque on the wharf. This was to be the appetiser before dinner.
Sunday morning we woke to clear blue skies and a very calm sea in the harbour. Today was our planned kayaking day. We set out towards the heads but as a breeze arrived made change of plan and kayaked across towards Wainui on the southern shore . We made a stop at the historic site then paddled our way around the bays to French Farm then return by Barry’s Bay (the tide was in), then with a tail wind and outgoing tide back towards Akaroa. All up around 25kms and an awesome day. We enjoyed another evening in and appreciating our Bach.
Monday was pack up and check out day. Again another great day with clear sky above. Once checked out we set off to do the walk up to Purple Peak Saddle then up on to Stoney Bay Peak. This walk started at the back of the Akaroa Township and took around 1 ½ hours to the saddle then another 25mins to the Summit. There are a number of walks you can do around here. Once at the top great views across the harbour and out the other side to Hinewai Reserve and towards Stoney Bay. We returned by the same track to the vehicle then set off for home. Thanks for a great weekend Judy, Colin and John.
Christine