Winding Down in the Winnebago - NZ Part IV

What we thought would be a rather long drive to Dunedin turned out to be not too bad at all. The kids were great while Brenda and I kept everyone entertained with 'shows' - it is amazing what a couple puppets and a bit of imagination can do on a long road trip. After managing the RV up and over the hilly terrain of Dunedin, we found our Top 10 campsite. The famous Top 10 campsites are common in NZ but this was the first one we would stay in and apparently, the Top 10 logo has to do with being the top price - ouch! We settled in for the night and got to the bbq before the crowds showed up and feasted on steaks, sausages, potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob.

The next morning, we visited Cadbury World, where all that good NZ chocolate is made. We came away with a sample bag that included some interesting Cadbury bars that we had never heard of (perhaps, the sample bags were to get rid of some of the slow movers? Anyone familiar with the Perkinana??) but we were able to purchase some of our favourites at the shop for a fraction of the price they are sold elsewhere. We stocked up on chocolate (a good substitute for our dwindling wine supply), hit a great coffee shop down a backstreet and then headed north for Christchurch.

We arrived in Christchurch and found a centrally located RV spot from where we could check out the Cathedral and have a terrific Chinese dinner out. The next morning, we did a bit more sightseeing before heading to our hotel. After a bit of shopping and saying our goodbyes to the RV, we returned to the hotel. Our hotel was next to the airport and the International Antarctic Centre. With a couple spare hours before dinner, Caleb, Kevin and I decided to check out the Antarctic Centre while Kevin, Brenda and Adelina went to the pool. The International Antarctic Centre was very impressive. We are slightly embarrassed to say that Caleb's first experience with snow (although not the real thing I guess) was here. We put on winter coats and went into the Antarctic room. We passed on the -40 degree Antarctic storm experience, having already experienced enough -40 weather in our lifetime (Caleb will eventually have his turn, I am sure). We saw some penguins and I even got to take a ride in the Hagglund - a rather impressive machine!

NZ was the most relaxing vacation I can remember in recent history. I am not sure if it was the fresh air, easy travel in the RV, or great sleeps. Whatever it was, it made for a terrific and relaxing holiday. Thanks for organizing the RV, Kevin and Brenda. We had a great time experiencing NZ with you guys!

Caleb's first taste of white chocolate was the free sample he was given at Cadbury World.

At the International Antarctic Centre - Caleb in a winter coat and shorts!?! -8 degrees Celsius was ok but I have to say that I still do not miss the cold Canadian weather.