21 Days, South Island New Zealand

[irv]

The end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 was a period of intense grief for our family. Without going into details we lost a daughter and ended up with our then 10 year old grandson in our permanent care.

As you would imagine this was a big adjustment for all of us, and in order to introduce something of a distraction to our annus horribilis, I decided we needed a change of scenery with a get away. Our Grandson has never travelled overseas before, so it would be a short haul to the South Island of New Zealand in September 2018.

We had never been to NZ before, so it would be an experience for all of us mixed in with some kid friendly adventures, for those of you who may be considering the same journey with your family.

 

[irv]

Our Journey began on 18 September 2018, flying from PQQ to Syd, with an early departure the next day. For his 1st flight Junior Irv was pretty good, a few nerves on take off and landing indicated by the additional squeeze of the hand, apart from that all went well. We had booked accommodation at the airport at the IBIS, you get what you pay for however we had to be up early for am 8:00 am flight.

 

[irv]

A walk to Syd Domestic at 6:00 am, hopped on the train to the international terminal for check in in with Emirates on a QF booking. All booked in then off to the QC for breakfast, Irv junior was impressed with the Pancakes and Muffins and the Gucci Store.

 

[irv]

A smooth flight, Irv Junior was impressed with spectacular views as we flew into Christchurch.

 

[LadyC]

My condolences on the loss of your daughter. It must have been an annus horribilis indeed for all of you.

I hope the trip to NZ provided some distraction and I look forward to reading more about it.

 

[kermatu]

So good to see smiles from Irv Jnr.

But looks like you had the window seat flying into CHC...???

Good on you both, and thanks for reporting back. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.

 

[irv]

So good to see smiles from Irv Jnr.

But looks like you had the window seat flying into CHC...???

Good on you both, and thanks for reporting back. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.

Yes, I think he was a bit apprehensive and wanted to sit between us, he had the window seat on the return journey.

 

[Denali]

Awhhhh, he looks very handsome (and happy) and looking forward to the trip report!

 

[Major]

He looks happy

 

[irv]

Three and half hours we disembarked at CHC, about 40 minutes to collect our luggage and get through customs.There was a queue at the car rental kiosk so we sat and had a refreshment whilst waiting for the crowd to dissipate. The coffee was in fact not bad. Went down to complete the booking I had done on line normal spiel about additional insurance, other charges blah, blah which I had already taken when booking. Was handed the keys to a RAV 4, 6200 klms on the clock and told it was in immaculate condition. Took me about 25 minutes to note all the scratches and stone chips on the vehicle report card, and take photos. Nothing enormous, but when they are holding a $3,000 bond you cross your T's and dot your I's. Whilst I was packing the car the better half (TBH) wandered back into the terminal and pointed out the imperfections on the vehicle and asked if the gentlemen would like to inspect which he declined. TBH got him to photocopy the updated vehicle report and sign our copy as acknowledging receipt. Pretty ordinary when you can't trust these businesses. Off to our accommodation in Christchurch.

 

[irv]

Whilst we were aware of the damage that had occurred in the 2011 & 2016 earthquakes. there was still a significant amount of reconstruction work underway. Road closures meant the GPS instructions were almost useless, however we eventually found our way and booked in. After a brief stop is was off for an exploration on foot. Our first stop was the Botanical Gardens in the city, a nice peaceful oasis in the city. A few photos.

 

[irv]

The next day saw us venture into the city, the thing that struck us was how deserted parts of the CBD were, it was like we were in a regional town rather that what was once a bustling city. Hopped on the tram for an explore.

 

[irv]

The population increased as we entered into the areas where reconstruction has been completed and businesses re-opened however it is obvious it will be along haul before the city fully recovers. The most controversial building and what to do with it is the Christchurch Cathedral, which the church announced in 2017 would be rebuilt. No sign of anything happening when we were there, and we were told by a couple of locals, that it was still unsafe enough for the experts to enter to fully survey the damage. Whether this is true or not or simply local gossip, who knows, but the damages are extensive, and at the moment its only real function is as a giant pigeon coop for the thousand of its tenants.

 

[craven morehead]

Just jumping on board now. Sorry for your loss, hoping this is a great family time abroad. Looking forward to your TR on this lovely part of the world.

 

[irv]

After the tram we continued our exploration on foot of Christchurch, when we stumbled on the Margaret Mahy Playground. Proclaimed to be the biggest playground in the southern hemisphere, well it may be. Certainly gave Irv Jr an excuse to run off some energy along with a phalanx of kids of all ages.

 

[irv]

Our next point of call was the Christchurch Gondola. TBH hates heights but bravely hopped on board, some spectacular views from on top. Next day we depart for Kaikoura.

 

[Milboo]

Thanks for sharing the Chch pictures. It was my home for my Uni days and it makes me sad still to see the damage - the Town Hall and fountains, where I have photos taken after my Admission, and the Cathedral, where I worked in the attached cafe during one year at Uni.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip!

 

[Denali]

Christchurch was such a pretty town so it's very sad to see what's happened because of the earthquakes.

By memory, Pedro's House of Lamb is in Christchurch. I hate lamb and found it wonderful.

 

[kermatu]

The rebuilding seems to be taking longer than you'd expect. Sadly I've only seen Christchurch post-2011. Do try to get there occasionally just to give a bit of support. 'Manufactured' a work side-trip from Auckland last month before flying back to Aus, but was less than 24 hours.

 

[irv]

The rebuilding seems to be taking longer than you'd expect. Sadly I've only seen Christchurch post-2011. Do try to get there occasionally just to give a bit of support. 'Manufactured' a work side-trip from Auckland last month before flying back to Aus, but was less than 24 hours.

We were told that the demolition of the damaged structures throughout the city was only recently completed, all new commercial structures are restricted to seven stories in height. Obviously a massive job to rebuild a city.