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Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.

We only spent one night in Twizel and launched back on the road for one last bid for a rain free hike. This time we aim for Christchurch and its scenic peninsula.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
I take my own glance.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
Cowboy looking out over Lake Pukaki.
Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
Rainbow over Lake Pukaki.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
Souther Alps over Lake Pukaki.
Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
I wasn’t the only one taking pictures.
Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
Fall colors along Lake Pukaki

Hilltop Restaurant and Bar

After a 4-hour drive, we are delighted to crest the final ridge of Banks Peninsula to look down into Barrys Bay. Clouds in the distance threaten us with our constant enemy: rain. We pause at the Hilltop Restaurant and Bar for a beer, pizza, and reconnoiter as we decide next steps. There isn’t much debate.

Our eyes are immediately drawn to a small peninsula dangling in the bay. Could we hike there? Yes we could. Well, it’s decided then. We zip down to the shore where the clouds have already taken half of the bay. No time to waste, it is only a matter of time before the rain will interrupt our day.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
Looking out along Banks Peninsula.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
This sheep is too cool for this picture

Onawe Track

The peninsula may as well be an island. The narrow spit of rocky land that connects the grassy hills to the shore show evidence of submersion at higher tides. We, however, enjoyed unencumbered access to the hiking trails and, what we discovered to be an ancient Maori burial ground. One certainly can appreciate how such a dramatic geographic feature could become a spiritual landmark.

In a striking departure from yesterday, we complete our hike with ne’ry as drop of rain. It is only once we are in our car, headed back to that night’s rental that the clouds open up and fat drops of rain strive to overwhelm our windshield.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
The rock faces worn smooth by the sea along Onawe Peninsula

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
Tramping along the narrow Onawe Peninsula.

Return to Christchurch

In a proper closing to our final day with our full traveling party, we conclude the Lord of the Rings series by finishing Return of the King. With each faux ending, additional traveling companions give up, and go to bed. Less than half of us remain to watch Sam and Rosie close the door on the whole business and for “The End” to confirm the conclusion.

And, this is the end…of our road trip.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
A last vision of blue sky.

Driving to Christchurch to tramp (hike) the Onawe Track along the Onawe Peninsula between Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle Bay on New Zealand's South Island.
A moment together walking down the Onawe Track

Lexi lives in a truck camper down by the river.

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