But first today!
The landscape around Methven is pan flat. As you drive away from the hills there isn't a single metre of altitude change for about 100 kms, with the exception of the Rakaia River and it's dramatic gorge.
This is great arable and grazing land with huge fields, although the sheep still for some reason wanted to be closely bunched in a corner.
What you also see a lot of in New Zealand and especially in this area are high straight hedges separating and I guess protecting the fields from wind or snow.
Then suddenly the landscape changes as you reach the Banks peninsula, the area created by volcanoes south of Christchurch which looks like this on a map.
I drove into Akaroa, the main village in the area, which has a very strong French feeling to it as it was mainly settled by French in the early 1800's.
After a coffee break and a walk around the harbour I continued the final few kms to Onuka Farm Hostel, my overnight destination tucked away up a steep hill and overlooking the bay.
It was still a little drizzly so being in such a calm and peaceful location I decided just to relax for the rest of the day, kept company by the house goose.
This place is idyllic and the people working here are so welcoming and friendly. Little touches like giving you free vegetables when you check in! Had a nice chat with the owner Jeff and a Swedish girl Maria who works here. Chill out paradise!
I've also just read the best opening chapter of a book I can remember reading - Andre Agassi's autobiography "Open". So the rest of the evening is taken care of.
And the best news is that tomorrow Jeff will be skippering the farm boat and taking 3 of us swimming with dolphins!!!
Today's "panorama of the day" is the view I've had all afternoon.
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