Farewell Christchurch

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Trip Start Feb 08, 2008 Previous
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  Christchurch, New Zealand
Thursday, February 28, 2008

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. 

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

Botanical Gardens

.  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. 

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.

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Punting	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

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