Kiwi Bach

My lovely friend Laura took us to her family's summer house, the bach. It's located on the Banks Peninsula, an undeniably lovely part of New Zealand. There are a great many little inlets, neat little stone beaches. We searched the tide for treasures left behind like shells and bits of glass and pottery. 

In the stream that runs behind the bach eels abound. We were skeptical at first as we couldn't see any. Apparently you have to entice them with milk. Because it smells like meat? Or they like the calcium? 

As the milk floated down the river we could see splashes in the water of eels fighting their way upstream to see what was going on.  They were absolutely huge!

Look at those eels! 

We drove around the peninsula, finding our way to Akaroa. 

Akaroa is a cute little town with French leanings... Also they had a fudge shop. Which is clearly the most important thing. 

Showing it's roots

And a lighthouse, which is always a bit romantic. 

I like the idea that lighthouse keepers were watching out for people

Team Canada

Very pretty harbour

Upside down tree... well it is on the other side of the world

Bach mailbox

We spent our time at the bach reading books, playing games, watching sheep and making a delicious pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. And we converted a kiwi gal to being a pumpkin pie lovin' honourary Canadian!

The sun (and TJ's shirt) made us think it was summer

Searching for treasures

Watching the tide

Our time there was perfect and so relaxing. It's so lovely to be in a place that's built for silence, fun and chilled out-itude.