day 2 - to Alex

Another early start - we hit the road at 7.30am on our drive from Christchurch - Alexandra (via Akaroa)

We decided that driving down to Alex (through Central Otago) seemed too easy - so we went to Akaroa for breakfast too! Si and I had both heard how it was very french, and liked the idea of a good croissant to start the day...

Banks Peninsula is beautiful

But unfortunately the only thing french about Akaroa are the street names... Glad we dropped in though

While picking up a few postcards we had a chat with the shop owner and said we were on our way to Alex (and had to get there by 5.30 for the wedding rehearsal). She looked at us as if we were mad - and said we'd better hit the road as there wouldn't be much time to spare. This became a theme for our holiday and Simon quickly gave me the nickname 'Timing Nazi' along with yelling "Oh My God I'm Gonna Die!" every 5 mins as I sped (not over 111kmph) around the South Island

We had the first of many amazing days weather wise that day, and the cloulds were putting on a show as we drove down through Central Otago...

Both Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki looked stunning with their turquoise blue water (formed as it i glacial melt and contains fine suspended particles)

Aoraki Mt Cook from the end of Lake Pukaki

Si and I at the end of the lake

Amazing hills with only Carex (native sedge) covering them

We made good time (due to only letting Si stop to pee once and taking the corners at a good speed :P) and had time to chill out above the Clyde Dam - the first of many hydro projects we saw...

We made it to Alex by 4.30, plenty of time to settle in before the following day, and practice pushing Jake down the aisle (he was to be the ring bearer)

We were put up by Burn's (Nick's mum) neighbours - Marg and Bones - very cool people and the locals were very welcoming! Thank you so much for letting us stay :)

After a few bottles of Central Otago wine, we headed to bed - wedding tomorrow!