Part 4: Christchurch, New Zealand

Memorial Bridge on the Avon River, Christchurch

Our place in Christchurch was blocks away from the Riverwalk, a fun little district full of cute shops and restaurants, walks along the Avon River, and "punting" boaters poling lazily along. It was the perfect spot for dinner on our first night.

The Christchurch Gondola was the big adventure for the next day, up Mount Cavendish. We had perfect weather for stunning views of the city, harbor, and ocean below and lovely walks at the peak, chasing sheep of course.

Back down the mountain, we made our way to the city trolley. We rode for a bit, poking around the art district and exploring New Regent street, with it's shops and cafés in the Spanish Mission style. The trolly tracks were so close to our outdoor table that we could feel the breeze as it went by.

Dinner that night at Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn was some of the best English pub fare that we've had in a long time. (They really love their Irish and English pubs here, and they have all been pretty authentic.) After glorious smoky seafood chowder and sausage with peas and mash, chased by a couple of stouts of course, we were ready for lights out!

The following day was our early train journey, to spend 2 days in Kaikoura (which will be covered in the next post). We then returned for one more night in Christchcurch so that we could to fly out to Queenstown the next day. That last morning we walked to the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, which were spectacular. A couple of hours walking around this absolutely magnificent and peaceful place were exactly what we needed after so much running around. The trees here were just massive and gorgeous flower beds, conservatories, and fountains were everywhere. Then it was off to the airport, where we sadly split up from our travel friends.

So strange to finally be on our own!