We revelled in our capacity to sleep in, and were very lucky to have a completely fine day to explore Christchurch. Not more than 3 metres from one of the entrances of our building was a tram stop. We purchased a 'City Loop' family pass, and listened to the conductor (a baby boomer with a close-cropped silver beard and a theatrical air) describe many interesting facts about the place.Our first stop was the Botanical Gardens, which were as you would expect - vast and crammed full of Autumn-goodness. While it was a very lovely park, complete with the capacity to go for a punt along the Avon river - I still think Queens Park in Invercargill (cue cheering Southlanders) beats it hands down.
From here, we mosied on up to the Art Gallery, and hurriedly passed by one exhibit that was declaring 'Provocative! Human Forms Exposed!' (although Lily was kind enough to inform us that there were "A lot of naked photos in there"). We quite enjoyed the 'Blue' exhibit which was very children friendly, including what appeared to be a fluffy toy dog dunked in vivid blue paint. I took a little long looking at some of the more classical paintings and sculptures, but thoroughly enjoyed myself.
We rejoined the tram, and were met by a silver-bearded clone of our original conductor (maybe a job requirement?). After a very enjoyable trip, the loop completed a few steps from our door and we decided on a leisurely afternoon (aka Joshie meltdown and everyone else collapsing about the place).
Wednesday 21st April 2010
The last day for us in New Zealand was fine and sunny, allowing me to don shorts and shirts - much to the bemusement of locals. We checked out of our great apartment, and parked the car around the corner. On our tram tour the day before, we were told that we could in fact climb the bell tower of Christchurch Cathedral. So that is what we did. Imagine if you will a tightly-spiralled (one person wide) stone staircase ascending something of the equivalent of 7 stories. The last several meters were achieved by ascending a metal staircase so steep, you could only climb down them backwards (ladder-style).
After taking a few happy snaps (Lily, managing to sneak into the background of any she was not the primary subject of), we climbed the 134 steps back down, stopped by a souvenir shop and then made our way to the airport.I thought I was in the clear on the flight back, being located on the other side of an aisle from Jen and the kiddies. I was, in fact, sitting next to another couple, and their large-lunged newborn. While Josh was not as settled as he was on the way over, we did get Hokey Pokey icecream, so these things balance out I guess.
I noticed the humidity as soon as we landed, that and the sad lack of alcohol at every retail outlet imaginable. We found our Happy Cabby, who thought we may appreciate an addition 2-3 hours on top of our 2 hour drive back to Newcastle. Part of this involved waiting at the domestic terminal for our final passenger. Heads lolling from fatigue, we could hear the screaching and chittering of fruit bats in the trees above.
To our relief, our house had not been abducted in our absence, and a very large Huntsman Spider greeted us from our lounge room ceiling. Oh Australia, the land of the hand-sized spiders and fruit bats. Unsurprisingly, the kids did not put up arguments regarding 'bedtime', and we soon followed them.
Thursday 22nd April 2010
Here I sit, leisurely consuming some vegemite on toast and coffee after dropping the kiddies off at school.
Looking back, I thought I'd pick out some of my highlights (briefly, don't worry):
* Jet-boating around the base of Huka Falls with a particularly dry-witted kiwi driver.
* Dinner overlooking Queenstown after taking a near-vertical Gondola ride up.
* Monteith's.
* Gliding along an underground river in inky darkness, save for the glow worms above at Waitomo Caves.
* Playing in the snow, after being dropped off by helicopter, with Mt Cook in the background.
* Queens Park in Invercargill (and not just because of the lady walking her sheep).
* Cruising up the Kauri Coast.
* Ice Cream at Mission Bay in Auckland, while locals jogged by unceasingly.
* Pulling in to Picton, after a great Interisland ferry ride.
* The insane water pressure - their showers could remove paint.
* Fox Glacier - and getting to go beyond the 'Do not go past here' signs.
* The beautiful cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, along with Dunedin's Larnach Castle.
* The people. Apart from a near diagnosable 'little brother syndrome' regarding Australia, they are friendly, funny and generous. Plus they say 'chups' - how can you not like them?
