Akaroa

Sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, New Zealand is a relatively active volcanic and seismic region. The mountains here may not be as high and colossal as the ones in the Himalayas. But the constant movement and collisions of Earth crustal plates create a very dynamic landscape. The peaks and valleys are intermingled in a fractal like formation, the bodies of water and the lands create mesmerizing collage.

For the above reason, I woke up at dawn and set my portable GPS for Akaroa. Additionally, I changed the routing mode to avoid highways. The air was misty and the morning sun could not break through the thick gray clouds. Barely anyone could be found on the narrow curvy mountain roads this early.

The changes in elevation were not dramatic, the twists and turns were not hair-raising. But this fit the sleepy morning ambience. The five speed Tiptronic transmission smoothly selected the appropriate gear for the different climb grade. The 1.8 engine provided more than ample thrust given that the relatively low weight of this subcompact car. It was a perfect morning drive.

Thanks to the Earth’s past fury, the Banks Peninsula is filled with hidden coves, bays, and spectacular coastlines. At a high vista point, I could see serpentine creeks and rivers meeting at a secluded azure cove. A man in a rain poncho sat on his small boat in the middle of the cove. A group of kids were playing soccer on the beach. The gray clouds had dissipated. The morning sun rays bouncing of the sand made the beach glistening. At a distant, the undulating lands met the calm Pacific Ocean at the horizon.

It was nearing lunch time, and now I had to find the shortest route to Akaroa village. My portable GPS took me to a one lane gravel road. This gravel road would take me over the mountain pass and to the end of Highway 75, the Christchurch Akaroa Rd, just outside Akaroa. The lush vegetation on this mountain created a continuous canopy above me. I turned my headlights on as it felt like dusk. The road was mostly wet and leaves above me still shed water droplets.

The tire noise over gravel droned the melodic 1.8 engine sound.
The adjustable magnetic active suspension and the servotronic steering didn’t exist on production cars yet when this car was conceived. But yet the independent suspension and power-assisted steering of this A3 provided a relatively smooth and confident ride through the slippery twists and turns over the mountain pass. Over rough surfaces, pot holes, and big bumps, the steering and suspension systems didn’t react violently but it performed predictably and confidently.

Enough feedback was transferred to the steering wheel so I could get the sense of the road surface. The instant an understeer happened, the car somehow made me aware, and this allowed me to response quickly. An Audi Driving Experience instructor had taught me how to correct an understeer. I let off the gas and turned the wheel in the opposite direction of the turn, gently. And once the front tires got the grip back, I turned the steering wheel in the direction of the turn again. The whole sequence happened in a very brief moment, and yet all minute adjustments on the steering angle and throttle were communicated to the road and the car assuredly turned.

After a rally-like driving experience, I arrived at the charming harbor village Akaroa. It began as a French whaling center. The pace of life was at a snail pace. The main road in the village was adorned by colorful flower beds. Boutiques, cafes, galleries, and a chocolatier provided a retail therapy for tourists who just disembarked from a tour bus. But most people who come here don’t come to shop as this is the only place on the planet where one can swimming with Hector Dolphins. Hector Dolphin is the smallest and rarest dolphin ever found characterized by a small, rounded dorsal fin and no discernable beak.

After an hour of walking, stretching, having a sandwich, and sipping an Earl Gray tea at a road-side café facing the picturesque harbor, I sprinted back to Christchurch for the wedding rehearsal dinner.

Akaroa

Sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, New Zealand is a relatively active volcanic and seismic region. The mountains here may not be as high and colossal as the ones in the Himalayas. But the constant movement and collisions of Earth crustal plates create a very dynamic landscape. The peaks and valleys are intermingled in a fractal like formation, the bodies of water and the lands create mesmerizing collage.

For the above reason, I woke up at dawn and set my portable GPS for Akaroa. Additionally, I changed the routing mode to avoid highways. The air was misty and the morning sun could not break through the thick gray clouds. Barely anyone could be found on the narrow curvy mountain roads this early.

The changes in elevation were not dramatic, the twists and turns were not hair-raising. But this fit the sleepy morning ambience. The five speed Tiptronic transmission smoothly selected the appropriate gear for the different climb grade. The 1.8 engine provided more than ample thrust given that the relatively low weight of this subcompact car. It was a perfect morning drive.

Thanks to the Earth’s past fury, the Banks Peninsula is filled with hidden coves, bays, and spectacular coastlines. At a high vista point, I could see serpentine creeks and rivers meeting at a secluded azure cove. A man in a rain poncho sat on his small boat in the middle of the cove. A group of kids were playing soccer on the beach. The gray clouds had dissipated. The morning sun rays bouncing of the sand made the beach glistening. At a distant, the undulating lands met the calm Pacific Ocean at the horizon.

It was nearing lunch time, and now I had to find the shortest route to Akaroa village. My portable GPS took me to a one lane gravel road. This gravel road would take me over the mountain pass and to the end of Highway 75, the Christchurch Akaroa Rd, just outside Akaroa. The lush vegetation on this mountain created a continuous canopy above me. I turned my headlights on as it felt like dusk. The road was mostly wet and leaves above me still shed water droplets.

The tire noise over gravel droned the melodic 1.8 engine sound.
The adjustable magnetic active suspension and the servotronic steering didn’t exist on production cars yet when this car was conceived. But yet the independent suspension and power-assisted steering of this A3 provided a relatively smooth and confident ride through the slippery twists and turns over the mountain pass. Over rough surfaces, pot holes, and big bumps, the steering and suspension systems didn’t react violently but it performed predictably and confidently.

Enough feedback was transferred to the steering wheel so I could get the sense of the road surface. The instant an understeer happened, the car somehow made me aware, and this allowed me to response quickly. An Audi Driving Experience instructor had taught me how to correct an understeer. I let off the gas and turned the wheel in the opposite direction of the turn, gently. And once the front tires got the grip back, I turned the steering wheel in the direction of the turn again. The whole sequence happened in a very brief moment, and yet all minute adjustments on the steering angle and throttle were communicated to the road and the car assuredly turned.

After a rally-like driving experience, I arrived at the charming harbor village Akaroa. It began as a French whaling center. The pace of life was at a snail pace. The main road in the village was adorned by colorful flower beds. Boutiques, cafes, galleries, and a chocolatier provided a retail therapy for tourists who just disembarked from a tour bus. But most people who come here don’t come to shop as this is the only place on the planet where one can swimming with Hector Dolphins. Hector Dolphin is the smallest and rarest dolphin ever found characterized by a small, rounded dorsal fin and no discernable beak.

After an hour of walking, stretching, having a sandwich, and sipping an Earl Gray tea at a road-side café facing the picturesque harbor, I sprinted back to Christchurch for the wedding rehearsal dinner.