On the Morning of Christmas Eve, Derek and Christopher managed to get another flight on the balloon.
This time the weather was a lot clearer. They took off from the foothills of the local ski resort, headed south and then managed to box back and landed close to the launch site.
The scenery was fantastic.
Derek, enjoying the flight.
At one point a herd of cattle spread out single file along the fence to watch the balloon pass overhead.
The champagne is served after the flight by a waiter dressed in top hat and tails!!!!Maybe we should start this tradition??????

We took our presents down to the beach to open on Christmas day, complete with tree and Santa. It was a gloriously sunny day.
We all had turns on the ATV bike.
Even Maureen had a go!!!!!!
Then we couldn't get her off the thing!!!!!
It is a lot of fun though.
On boxing day we packed up the car and said goodbye to our Christchurch area home for good.
We headed up to the north of the south island. This is Michelle at the top of the lookout post in the whale watching town of Kaikora.
We camped the night at a lovely beach side camp site, beautiful views and no sandflies!!
Next day we continued northwards, and spent the day in the city of Nelson. This is their cathederal that qualified them to be called a city.
This is a historic street in Nelson from the late 1800's.
After a picnic lunch we visited the Japanese gardens in Nelson.
On the night of December 27th we campted at the Tasman-Able National park. We had to travel 11 kms down a dirt road to reach the campsite, it was misty and raining as we travelled there. But as we reached the camp the clouds parted and the weather was fantastic.
Beofre dinner we hiked to Harewood hole, the deepest in NZ, 170 meters deep. Was pretty scary looking over the rim.


Then we hiked up to a scenic view point. The view was amazing. A shear drop to the valley below.

The view was spectacular.


Great campsite. Woke up to sheep everywhere. This is real camping.
We got into a staring competition. I guess she was here first.
The beach at Kaiteriteri. Golden sand and safe water to swim in.
Even though the main beach was crowded, there were numerous other deserted beaches.

Nice to get out of the car and soak up the rays.