What to do?

So, we were supposed to get the train from Picton to Kaikoura today and then in two days get the train from Kaikoura to Christchurch.

Not surprisingly we felt that heading towards Christchurch was probably not the best of moves at present so what to do?

We texted Isabel and Barrie who do not yet know how their coach tour is going to end being as they were due to fly out of Christchurch. We contacted our car rental company who said there would be a car for us in Christchurch (near the airport which the roads are all clear to and nowhere near CBD). What to do we pondered again....

Eventually we opted for getting slightly closer to Christchurch in case we needed to extricate Barrie and Isabel somehow, but we thought we would stay far enough away that we could choose to carry on our tour down the west coast instead of east coast if necessary. So how to get on the move again? No train and no bus either, ferry arrived and all people due to pick up cars descended on the info office as their car rental companies were unable to get their car for them.

Eventually we found this little local car hire company who had a car that they needed to get to Christchurch. They waived the one way hire fee and only charged us two out of three days so we have a bit of time to get there and we set off.

Arrived in Kaikoura at 3pm ish having followed the army trucks, porta-loos and mobile surgical units down the road. Fortunately filled car up with petrol in Blenheim as the queue for gas in Kaikoura was really long and the police were in the petrol station.... Were told later that there Is no fuel in Christchurch and everyone just left, made it here and then ran out of fuel. Fortunately as well we had managed to book somewhere to stay - most places full now.

Bought dinner but only later realised not in backpackers now so no cooking utensils or pots or plates. Also no tin opener. Realised we may have an issue with our extended camping plan! What to do ?

Martyn managed to borrow a tin opener (my hero) so tonight was microwaved tinned spaghetti in a bowl with toast on top. Wow what a culinary masterpiece! Checked can of soup bought for tomorrow - it has a ring pull, phew!

It was however a good travelling day as it was grey and rainy but if it's nice tomorrow we might go kayaking with NZ fur seals - and albatross spotting!!!!