Farewell Christchurch

This is our last full day in NZ, as tomorrow we will be traveling to the Cook Islands.  We are up early to make the best of our last day in NZ.  We really know the ropes now so Al has our day all organized, we are going to hit all the spots we missed on our first time here.  Map in hand we set off to see the Canterbury Museum, which turns out to be an excellent museum.  Admission is by donation.  Having learned our lesson is Wellington we carefully limit how much time we allow ourselves in the museum.  The Botanical Gardens are next on Al's list, and they are located right next to the Museum (bonus!).  It seems that with each visit to a garden they just keep getting better.  Christchurch is known as the City of Gardens, and this one is outstanding. 

Botanical Gardens

After the gardens we head to Riccarton Bush and House, about a half hour walk.  This is a little outside the main tourist area and it was a little difficult to find.  We try to figure out the bus to take, but by the time we do that we have already walked all the way there.  It is a very warm day and I am relieved to finally find our destination.  Riccarton Bush (forest to us Canadians) was an area first settled by the Deans, 2 Scottish brothers.  It contains the restored original cottage, and the grand Victorian - Edwardian mansion that came later. It is set on 30 acres of parkland, which the family preserved. This wonderful green space contains the sole remnant of the kahikatea floodplain forest, which has survived for 3000 years.  We spend so much time exploring this beautiful land preserve that they had almost stopped serving lunch by the time we returned to the house (which now serves as a wonderful restaurant).  Fortunately we  were still able to place an order for some cold refreshment as well as a huge serving of potato wedges.  In NZ these are served with a huge helping of sour cream and tomato sauce similar to a chutney - NZ's version of poutine (heart attack on a plate), very, very yummy.  We manage to figure out the buses to make our way back to downtown instead of walking.  This is one of the hottest days that we have had on the South Island, and I already feel that I have walked through many miles of forest. 

Punting

We head back to our hotel for a short rest (which turns out to be a long rest).  Once again we are faced with the task of finding a restaurant that is still open (they really do roll up the sidewalks early here).  We find a few bars but no food.  Finally a kind soul tells us to try the Cafe Valentino which is not too far away.  As we get there they are getting ready to close, but they take pity on us and tell us that if we can decide quickly we can still order.  It takes us about 30 seconds to decide to order pizza and beer.  The pizza is amazing, the atmosphere is wonderful.  Posters signed by various entertainers and old movie posters adorn the walls.  Dean Martin is singing in the background, it is perfect for our last night in Christchurch.  We really have enjoyed our last day in Christchurch and will be sorry to leave.  However, as we are both starting to feel a little travel weary it will be nice to be in one place for 10 days, unpack and unwind.

Riccarton Outdoor Cafe

Riccarton Cottage

Riccarton Bush

Christchurch Tram

Fish Hooks

Al on the Big Bike

Maori Ship

English Country Garden

A Rose by any other name

Roses

The Avon

Dyslexic Centre

Gate work

The Art Centre

Clock Tower

School Uniforms

Art Gallery

B & B

Harley

View of a Window

Copthorne

Whimsy

Celebrations