Finally a bit of blue sky

Christchurch finally rolled out the welcome mat for my dad today with beautiful, cloudless blue skies. You wouldn't believe it rained for the past 48 hours or so and that makeshift ponds had formed where once there had been only been a hollow. The ducks seemed to be loving these new aquatic playparks.

We decided to take advantage of the great weather and headed out straight after we'd finished at church. Our first stop was for a spot of lunch at the Watershed pub where we'd helped Bek celebrate her birthday earlier in the month. It really is a great location by the estuary. We sat and enjoyed our food while watching kite surfers out on the water.

After lunch we drove over to the gondola. It was a perfect day for it as the whole of the Canterbury plains lay spread out before us, the glistening blue Pacific over to the right and the Southern Alps over in the distance, the sunlight reflecting off their snowy peaks. We could see right up the coast to the Kaikoura ranges, close to where we were just yesterday.

Back down at the car we loaded up and headed for Sumner and the beach. It was a little manic over there, what with the sunshining after a week or so without much of a break in the clouds, so we just kept on driving. Through the back of Sumner we headed and up onto the Summit Road into the Porthills. I know Joanne hates the tight, winding roads smothered with weekend cyclists but it really is a spectacular little trip. The views are something else. Round each corner you focus on something new.

By now it was mid-afternoon, and time for afternoon tea, natch. We headed off down Dyers Pass Road and pulled in at the Sign of the Takahe. High teas all round sat in the sunshine overlooking the city. I think I've found a new spot in Christchurch to add to my favourites list. Plus, a little stroll away is an awesome look-out spot where you can fully appreciate the view.

I think it was good Dad got to see Christchurch in all its glory before he heads out on his South Island tour tomorrow.