26-29 January
Insights by Perry + Roy, photos by all
![](/sites/default/files/images/Group%20pic.jpg)
L-R: Perry, Irene, Hamish the botanist Leslie (an uncanny knowledge of all things leafy), Mike the chef Barnes (all the food and a firm theoretical knowledge of how to cook it), Anna (AD), Josie, Roy the whittler Craig (give him a knife and some wood - magic happens), Dinia (a rare photo), Dawson the explorer Muir (never a moment of rest - drive and enthusiasm untamed), Ian the organiser Galley (this man takes ideas and quietly molds them into reality), Tim Shuttlecock Gregg (with a mean badminton forehand smash), Jacqui, and Khalid the storyteller Mohammed (always a captivating story at hand).
What a spectacular trip only 90 mins drive from Central Christchurch! After a day exploring the French feeling of Akaroa, we were dropped at the trampers hut on Ōnuku Farm for our first night.
![](/sites/default/files/images/15dcbb52-0b79-423e-85fc-e085d3479cd9.jpg)
We pooled resources & enjoyed a shared dinner with a Mediterranean salad courtesy of Tim Gregg and some sausages cooked by Dawson (supplied by Mike) with incredible views over Akaroa and the Harbour. Kereru, Tui, Piwakawaka, and Korimako were everywhere.
![](/sites/default/files/images/IMG_4443.jpeg)
Day 2 was a hard morning of walking up a steep farmland track in very very strong winds.
Jacqui though that without her pack on, she may have gotten blown off the mountain.
![](/sites/default/files/images/dfbf5dab-efec-44f2-ad4a-6ef80b3d1acd.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/combo%20day%201.png)
![](/sites/default/files/images/b9522b95-14f1-4ca5-95c4-69046ecb8e6c.jpg)
The trig saddle is the perfect spot to catch your breath & admire 360 degree views.
Then it's a descent into Flea Bay through lush forest with bonus waterfalls.
![](/sites/default/files/images/FleaBaycombo.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/40aeea2a-25c2-46e3-9ee0-9ad3a8226f30.jpg)
Relaxing on a beautiful sunny and warm evening.
![](/sites/default/files/images/0e3ecb2b-ed98-4c48-bf4b-b7c77d68ade3.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/flea%20bay%20combo.jpg)
We had a Blue Penguin tour with the local farmer ... a bit of local history and a lot of local charm.
![](/sites/default/files/images/penguin%20combo.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/740eaa06-f927-4160-a75f-5204fc97b023.jpg)
A sunrise worth getting up for...
Then we hit the trail for Stony Bay.
![](/sites/default/files/images/d292c5c0-6495-4531-85d8-e7a2cd397733.jpg)
Day 3 we walked along the magnificent cliffs.
![](/sites/default/files/images/06b7da93-3f14-4806-9688-c1284f9d951e.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/cliff%20combo.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/4927b51b-d29c-4780-a876-5c26ae9886c0.jpg)
Time for a break at a shack built into the cliffs by sealers.
![](/sites/default/files/images/70e4b46f-0921-4b99-8207-4f120c581e6b.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/sealer%20hut%20combo.jpg)
Arriving into the amazing Stony Bay accommodation was like arriving into Hobbiton.
![](/sites/default/files/images/stony%20combo.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/665834a1-a09c-4316-9302-ade5c364a14b.jpg)
Without wifi access - everyone took to cooking, craft and sport.
There was badminton and outdoor snooker...
![](/sites/default/files/images/pool%20table%20combo.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/badminton%20combo.jpg)
Roy whittled several pipes using eucalyptus nuts...
![](/sites/default/files/images/bubble%20combo.jpg)
Tim repaired his jandal with flax...
...and the quirky architecture plus outdoor bath were hits.
Day 4 was our long walk home: out through native bush then up and over the top in cold and drizzly weather, but the sun came out as we descended back into Akaroa.
![](/sites/default/files/images/eaa166bb-084f-49d2-b9e0-aedf41843692.jpg)
![](/sites/default/files/images/1520077f-df4e-4238-9e0f-7b0551e7404a.jpg)
An absolutely fantastic trip that's perfect for friends/family groups not wanting to carry much luggage & preferring a solid roof. As with on other Relay legs, spending time with people in a non-clinical setting was mentioned as being really valuable.
![](/sites/default/files/images/499f5f80-53c6-4dfa-9d73-70229abaa05c.jpg)
Comments
Brilliant blog Vanya - loved it