Otepatotu

Spring is well and truly here and the mercury soared past 20 today so we packed the boys in the car and set off. After an hour of near-vomit-inducing driving on winding, twisty hill-top roads we turned into the car park of the Otepatotu reserve.

Akaroa Harbour from the Summit Road

 

 
 


After a quick picnic lunch in the sun we climbed a short steep track to a lookout with glorious views out over Akaroa harbour.

 

The last of the winter snow clings to the distant Alps

Then we climbed further up to the summit of Laverick's Peak with more stunning views. Although a little hazy we could clearly see all the way to the snow-capped Kaikouras, a few hours to the north.

Weeping moss hanging down from the trees in the 'goblin forest' part of the walk. The rough translation for Otepatotu is 'place of the fairies'

Okains Bay

 

After descending back down to the car park we drove round the Summit Road and down the hill to Akaroa to play on the beach before fish and chips for tea.

On the way down to Akaroa

Playing on the beach at Akaroa