Robinson Bay

We made our way down the Akaroa Peninsula and spent the night at Robinson Bay.

It's a very pretty corner of NZ - again! - and many people from Christchurch go there for a day trip. It's a quiet little town really and many people go fishing and make a living by renting out holiday homes to the tourists.

To get there though, you have to drive on some very windy roads again and up a very steep hill. From there though, you get a magnificent view over the valley and the sea. This area was 'colonised' by the French, so many street names are actually in french and the style of houses follows this.

They also have a cheese making industry there and still continue traditions such as morning coffees with a fresh loaf from your local bakery. I'd love to be able to go there regularly and have it as a bit of a escape - it's really perfect for that. On a permanent basis, the novelty would wear off, but really as a weekend escape ...

Also found the most perfect, cute, gorgeous house there, right by the shore. It's empty and I think a bit abandoned, but it's so wonderful with a little garden and french doors and a crooked porch. From peeking through the windows, we reckon there is only one room and then there's a bathroom and a tiny kitchen. Very beautiful and romantic!

We chose to drink our Shiraz here with a great big bowl of pasta.