Drive from Lake Tekapo to Akaroa

We arrived at Lake Tekapo at approximately 5 pm after another uneventful day.  The scenery was much of the same and after looking at more delapitated, overpriced accommodation, we went to the ICentre. to see what they had to offer.  They suggested the Albertine Lodge, located at the top of the hill, overlooking the town...sort of!  We had to pay in advance at the centre so there was no turning back.  Although the unit was relatively new, it was the smallest room I had ever stayed in, not even enough space to change your mind.  After cramming everything in, we toured the town which took all of 5 minutes.  The place was small and tired and other than being situated on the most beautiful aqua blue, turquoise lake, it had little more to offer.  They did have a series of three so called mineral spring hot pools you could dip your Knackers in for a mere $20/pp.  Did not look too appealing to us!  We left the lodge at about 10 am the following morning on route to Christchurch via the Scenic Inland Route, which was no more scenic than any other highway we have been on in NZ.  The drive was quiet and uneventful.  Roads were well utilized by the hundreds of new tour buses catering to the European and Asian tourists.  Tourism is supposedly New Zealand's largest industry but by the looks of it, they have priced themselves out of the market for most North American vacationer's as I would venture to say, 90-95% are split between the Asian and European Travellers. 

The drive to the French Village of Akaroa was probably the most interesting we have experience in our travels of NZ.  The long and winding mountain road, bordered by the ocean gave you many panoramic vistas, including a couple of cruise ships anchored in the harbour.  The town was your typical French Village with streetside cafes catering to tacky tourists and cruiseship passengers drinking overpriced chardonnay at $12-18 a glass.  We have found the best attractions in NZ have been free but those are few and far between.