Hinewai Trip - Day 1, July 10th

View from inside looking out at Little River Art Gallery

Despite a cold and frosty morning, the sun gods were with us once again on our first road trip/overnight trip. Destination - the beautiful 1250 Hectare Hinewai Reserve on the Banks Peninsula.  Along the way stops were made for morning tea time at the Little River Gallery and Craft Store featuring local and prominent NZ artists, Hill Top Restaurant for the breathtaking view of Akaroa Bay, 

View from Hill Top toward Akaroa Bay

Barry's Bay for the cheese, Onawe Pa for our picnic lunch and exploration of the old lava rocks and a hike out the spit for more spectacular views, and French-influenced Akaroa itself for a little snooping around the galleries and shops. 

Akaroa

Onawe Pa Lava Rock

Hanging out at the Lodge at Hinewai

We arrived to Hinewai by 4pm with our gear and food in tow and traversed down into the beautiful reserve and to the Lodge to get settled in for a fun filled evening while being serenaded by Kevin and Alex.  We took in views of Long Bay as the sun went down and listened to stories of how this now 1250 Hectare reserve got its start from caretaker and renown Botanist, Hugh Wilson.  

Playing Telestrations with Hugh

After dinner we got to see the Southern Cross and the Milky Way under amazingly clear skies that seemed to bring the starts down to us (some of us even slept on the porch beneath the stars!).  We also played Telestrations with Hugh and got some pretty humorous results.  As the temperatures dipped down again, we stoked the fire, played cards, and hung out.  Then off to sleep to recharge for our big hike tomorrow through the reserve and down to Long Bay Beach. - Meryl

Checking out the stars off the back deck at the lodge