Moving on up South Island

The journey from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs took a leisurely 4 hours by car, on roads that were relatively free from traffic. The views along the way were stunning & by the time we reached our motel they were breathtaking. This was the first RC Church we have seen on the Island with the exception of the ruined Cathedral.It was just about 100 yds from our motel. The Priest serves seven parishes so Mass was a vigil on Saturday at 5 o'clock. It was only a small simple wooden structure. The grotto outside the church. Hanmer Springs is a "Spa town" and the hot tubs are a constant 42 degrees, geothermally heated. They whiff a bit due to the sulphur content of the water. Very very relaxing though. It was 28 degrees ambient temp., so not much different out of the water. Anne declined to join me in the tub & elected to read her kindle on a sun lounger. The road bridge (single track) needed to be crossed in order to enter and leave Sunmer Springs. The views either side of the bridge were amazing. Time to leave this motel in paradise and head out North to the city of Nelson. Hope we aren't deflated when we get there. Took a few pics. at stops along the way. The journey took nearly 5 hours as we had three stops, one of them for afternoon tea at a cafe by a river. Almost at Nelson and the sun is still baking us both. How are things at home? Still snowing????