Christchurch

The first morning in New Zealand.... Breakfast at the car. The practical workspace is unfolded (good work, Robin and Christoph) and off we go. Coffee tastes like home, I will get used to the soggy toast bread.

As a warm-up, I will drive to Akaroa today, about 140 km southeast. With a coffee in hand, Sultans of Swing in the radio, a blue sky with almost cheesy clouds above me, I drive through the slightly hilly landscape over a ridge.

I could almost cry with happiness, I'm feeling so good.

The town of Akaroa is located on a large fjord and was founded in 1840 by French settlers. Accordingly, the houses have a European feel, street names are in French, and even the small cemetery could be in Bretagne.

On the way back, I drive to a beach to finally see the Pacific. By the way, it's just like the Atlantic: wavy and salty.

Finally, to conclude the day, I quickly visit the city of Christchurch. Many buildings have been rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake, but you can still see the damage everywhere. But time is too short to see more.

In the evening, I visit Duncan, a good friend of my neighbors Anna and Gerhard (who, by the way, urgently need to come to NZ!). As a visiting ritual, even the flag of Königswinter is raised on the flagpole. I spend a wonderful evening in a fun group. Kindly, Duncan even offers me a shelter for the bus in a small shed. So I can park the car here at the end of the tour until I need it again. Just perfect, Duncan, thank you very much for so much hospitality.