Phew a hot one today which is a bit of a shame as most of the day was in the car. Farewell to Kaikoura and we headed inland to Hanmer Springs. First stop was our obligatory morning coffee stop at a small township Waiua. Lovely coffee overlooking the town green with the typical town gaol and stocks which Graham checked out, though unfortunately we could not unlock the stocks for his head. 
Lovely drive up to Hanmer Springs, a hot springs and Spa resort as the name implies . Very picturesque with expensive, by kiwi standards, shops and restaurants. However it is sale time in NZ and I did manage to get Graham to buy his annual pair of shorts, in fact he nearly bought two pairs! Back south along the coast for a rush hour drive into Christchurch. 
Our motel near the station is fine but not a very salubrious area although there are several ‘outdoor’ outlets nearby which Graham has earmarked to visit Saturday morning, more shorts methinks. We thought we'd better check the walking route to the station as the motel advised it was a few minutes. Luckily no hills just several major intersections, far more dangerous than any uphill hike and a map with a few roads missing. Station duly located the hard bit was then finding the bar recommended by the receptionist which he had marked incorrectly on our map. Very very thirsty when arrived at the bar but not a great venue. Will need to research something further afield for Saturday night.