November 11, Christchurch, NZ
The Amsterdam actually docks at Lyttelton Harbor which is about 9km from Christchurch, and is located on what is called Banks Peninsula. The Banks Peninsula was formed by the eruptions of three volcanoes. First sighted by Captain Cook in 1779, it was named for Sir Joseph Banks, the naturalist.
In 1838 Jean Langois, captain of the French whaling ship Cachalot, negotiated with a local Maori chief to buy Banks Peninsula.
We teamed up with two other couples that we knew and hired a car for a half day tour. Having specified that we were interested in nature and birds, our guide took us on a round trip around the peninsula. Being a photographer himself he was excellent in showing us places that most tourists never go to.
From Lyttelton we traveled around Governor’s Bay, up Gebbie’s Pass, the down along side Lake Ellesmere, past Birdings Flat and Lake Forsyth to Little River. From there we took Tourist Drive past several scenic overlooks and then back down to the town of Akaroa. After a short visit there we essentially backtracked with a couple of exceptions and then out to Christchurch. During our tour we saw delightful scenery, and several different types of birds including a flock of black swans, and some Canadian geese with several new chicks.
We did have some off and on rain early in the day but by 1pm or so the sun was shining and the clouds had moved off. A great time was had and everyone enjoyed the trip.
Tomorrow we are in Wellington where some of us will spend most of the day at Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.
Your tour sounds excellent. It would be helpful if you would post the tour contact as I hope to do this voyage the next time it is offered. Thanks!
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