Well, first night exploring South Island and tent is assembled [photo]. Overnight stay at Lake Tekapo will be under canvas. Kids excited. Jill and I less thrilled given chilly lakeside wind. This morning hired car, picked up tent, purchased two bargain double quilts, two sale-priced quilt covers, a sleeping mat and some groceries. Quilts perhaps not conventional camping material but most practical and affordable. Plan to stay in campsite cabins, hopefully, so pays to have own bedding. Plan failed tonight, no cabins available. Tried nearby hostel that too was full. Hence tent. Had first roast dinner since Christmas lunch, Bali. Yummy! Of course kids not interested, had pizza and chips. New Zealand-beef roast seasoned with panoramic lakeside mountain backdrop [photo]. Wow! About 230km drive from Christchurch to Tekapo, crossed Canterbury Plains up into mountains. Spectacular scenery, snow-capped mountains a dramatic horizon. Another local reminder of Britain, went through Ashburton. No fish & chip shop I could see. (Dad, maybe an opportunity!?) Stopped for picnic lunch in play-park. Another stop was at Fairlie. Afternoon tea in Tui’s Treats Café. Excellent pit-stop. A time warp. Pot of tea for 2, China cups and saucers, extra pot of hot water for more than one cup. Two old ladies serving. Immaculately clean. A counter with jars of sweets. A toy-box. A calendar listing all the Treat Club’s young members’ birthdays. We each had a 50 cents treat of sweets from a jar.