Christchurch, Canterbury, New ZealandLong flight 13 hours to Fiji with 1-hr layover. Yea, could get off the plane and go into the terminal shops. We were in Fiji several years ago so this was a good time to get a few more t-shirts.
3 hours to Auckland where we had to change planes; 1.5-hour layover.
Met two Mauri young men, Stewart Kora and his brother, in airport McDonald's.
Interesting talking with them about Mauri traditions.
They have a band and travel all over NZ, Australia, and Hawaii. (www.kora.co.nz; www.myspace.com/koraroots).
When they left, they gave Randy the Mauri greeting--touch forehead and nose. Very cool having that happen as soon as we arrived in NZ. Found out later their band is very popular.
Met two Mauri young men, Stewart Kora and his brother, in airport McDonald's.
Interesting talking with them about Mauri traditions.
They have a band and travel all over NZ, Australia, and Hawaii. (www.kora.co.nz; www.myspace.com/koraroots).
When they left, they gave Randy the Mauri greeting--touch forehead and nose. Very cool having that happen as soon as we arrived in NZ. Found out later their band is very popular.
1.5 hour flight to CHRISTCHURCH.
The time here is 16 hours ahead of our time so we jump ahead a day. Taxi to hotel
The time here is 16 hours ahead of our time so we jump ahead a day. Taxi to hotel
RYDGERS HOTEL downtown. Perfect location! Across from the Avon River and a couple blocks from Cathedral Square.
Looked for restaurant--Pedro's. The man who sat next to us on airplane said this is the best place to get "baby lamb shoulder." Pedro's was full and had reservations for the entire evening. Went to Coyote's--Burger and seafood chowder--nothing great.
Looked for restaurant--Pedro's. The man who sat next to us on airplane said this is the best place to get "baby lamb shoulder." Pedro's was full and had reservations for the entire evening. Went to Coyote's--Burger and seafood chowder--nothing great.
Feb 11: SIGHTSEEING
Spent the evening and most of the next day seeing the sights in the central city area.
Got up early, walked to Arts Center--not open until 10:00.
Hotel for breakfast, yummy pastries.
Walked down Worchester to the Market that is held on weekends. Lots of people selling different things. Loved the wooden puzzels.
Hotel for breakfast, yummy pastries.
Walked down Worchester to the Market that is held on weekends. Lots of people selling different things. Loved the wooden puzzels.
Across the Avon River to the Arts Center, a complex of 23 heritage buildings with shops, restaurants, art spaces & cultural events. The lawn was covered in pinwheels.
Botanical Gardens: Peacock Fountain was covered up for repairs.
People in boats "punting" down river. Beautiful old Willow trees. There is evidence to suggest that the first willows planted on the river banks grew from cuttings taken from Napoleon's grave on the island of St. Helena brought here by Francois Le Lievre in 1838.
Just across the river from the Floral Clock is Queen Victoria Square, another beautiful park area with interesting statues and fountains.
Arch of Remembrance to commemorate WWI & II.
Cathedral Square: Beautiful Cathedral. Fun watching the people playing chess.
Botanical Gardens: Peacock Fountain was covered up for repairs.
People in boats "punting" down river. Beautiful old Willow trees. There is evidence to suggest that the first willows planted on the river banks grew from cuttings taken from Napoleon's grave on the island of St. Helena brought here by Francois Le Lievre in 1838.
Just across the river from the Floral Clock is Queen Victoria Square, another beautiful park area with interesting statues and fountains.
Arch of Remembrance to commemorate WWI & II.
Cathedral Square: Beautiful Cathedral. Fun watching the people playing chess.
Taxi to United to pick up Camper-van. Decided on insurance policy to get--took standard one; other ones weren't worth it. Obtained a discount card for Top 10 Holiday Parks that are all over the country.
Campground--Top 10 Holiday Park Christchurch - very nice.
Feb 12: Shopped for groceries and supplies. Organized the rv. Made bed in back and put luggage on overhead bed. Worked out great!
Everyone in campground very friendly with lots of helpful advice. One couple finished their six-week trip and gave us their leftover supplies. Cooked dinner in the campground kitchen, which was all stainless steel; really nice.
Ready to start our journey around New Zealand tomorrow.
Feb 12: Shopped for groceries and supplies. Organized the rv. Made bed in back and put luggage on overhead bed. Worked out great!
Everyone in campground very friendly with lots of helpful advice. One couple finished their six-week trip and gave us their leftover supplies. Cooked dinner in the campground kitchen, which was all stainless steel; really nice.
Ready to start our journey around New Zealand tomorrow.
2025-05-22