The Menzies

December 3, 2007 Andy 0 Comments

Crossing the Southern Alpes via Authers Pass the change in weather was dramatic. From near continuous rain, crossing the pass, the clouds cleared and we were bathed in sunlight. We’d learned how the west coast receives some of the highest rainfall in the world and how this was caused be the weather coming in from the Tasman sea and hitting the mountains, but to see how it diminished so soon after crossing the pass was quite bizarre. Skipping some of the good treks around the pass due to the rain we instead tackled Helicopter Hill, starting in picturesque woodland gradually rising to shrub and rocky scree finishing with, much like many of the walks in this country, 360 degree views of mountains.

Enjoying yet more twisty mountainous roads we made our way North to Hanmer Springs. A small holiday village famous for the hot springs. The main attraction was a bit too Leisure Centre style for my liking, rather than natural pools, but moving between all the different “springs” was indeed very relaxing. As and added bonus we met a Spanish couple, Xavi & Gesela, from the Canary Islands while we were there.

With our South Island trip coming to an end we played a flying visit to Kaikora. New Zealand’s Whale Watching capital. The daily visits from Whales are attributed to a deep channel over 1km deep within 1km of the shore at Kaikora. The whole whale watching circus here seemed very commercial and we’d heard mixed reports of the experience. Having spent most of our money on scenic flights we decided to give it a miss, further justified by a fear of repeating our Hervey Bay experience. It wasn’t a completely wasted journey mind. The scenery around here was fantastic (I’m sure your bored of reading about scenic New Zealand is, but I really is special) helped by some great weather.

That night we headed south aiming for the Banks Penninsular with the intention of meeting some distant relations of mine. I’m really don’t understand what is what when it comes to relations terminology, but through my maternal grandmother, Rick Menzies, is my 2nd cousin once removed, making his son my 3rd cousin… I think. Regardless of the details, my mother and grandmother had visited the Menzies several years ago and a subsequent Christmas card to my mother had mentioned that any of her offspring who might happen to be travelling in that part of the world would be more than welcome to visit. I’m not one to pass up such invites and through the wonders of t’interweb we got in contact.

The Menzies live on the Banks Peninsular just south of Christchurch in a place called, check this out, Menzies bay. The Banks Peninsular is yet another beautiful part of the country, once again mountainous with huge inlets and bays which is actually a result of a huge volcano that has been eroded away of several million years. Something that becomes quite clear from aerial photos. There is a stunning summit road that winds its way along the ridge of the crater affording wonderful views. An added bonus for us was that as we were headed to visit relatives we took some routes that other tourists normally wouldn’t bother with. Every few minutes I was muttering “wow”, “check that out” etc in awe of the countryside unfolding in front of us.

Then we arrived in Menzies Bay at the end of a gravel road after crossing several valleys and bays was their farm and cottage looking down to the sea below with rolling green hills on all sides. We were made to feel immensely welcome and all my anxieties of staying with complete strangers (albeit related strangers) were alleviated as Espe and I immediately got on very well with Rick and Gaye.

We were treated to great food including freshly picked mussels from their new mussel farm followed by corned beef. A food that has nothing but bad press, probably due to the tinned “long life” varieties. I think was probably the first time I’d tried it and it was fantastic, helped of course by fresh vegitables and all the trimmings. A great English dinner.

Staying with them for a couple of days was fantastic. It was so relaxing in their ideally located cottage, exploring the surrounding hill sides and swapping travelling tales. Rick and Gaye are keen travellers and spent some time recently in South America. Rick has even travelled to Antarctica and we soon discovered a further common interest in photography.

I must take the opportunity to thank them both for putting us up. It was a pleasure to spend time there and get to know them a little. The cottage in the bay was idyllic and if it wasn’t for the fact that we had to get the rant a van back to Christchurch I’m sure a week could have slipped by unnoticed. Rick and Gaye ordered me not to put pictures of them up here, but don’t worry, I’ll sneak some into the Hall of Fame when they’re not looking.

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