We have just spent a very special weekend in Observatory Hotel, a new boutique hotel which is in the middle of the Old revitalised Arts Centre. It was magic. Nothing about this hotel screams "generic". There are art and history books to read, comfortable sitting areas, and at the top I found a quiet room to zoom one early morning - the Conservatory. It is midwinter and … [Read more...]
Christchurch to Bluff via The Catlins
Driving from Christchurch to Bluff you go through some astounding landscapes, and some truly boring ones. We have decided to take two days of it, and after staying in Dunedin we head off on the coastal scenic route through the Catlins. I have never been before, and this is a recce trip with a view to a longer stay some time. We were not disappointed, we will be … [Read more...]
On the Coastal Pacific to Blenheim for the weekend
Waiharakeke is the name for Blenheim and we have decided to do an overnight mid winter trip on the Coastal Pacific Train and take our ebikes. Loading our bikes on the train in Christchurch at 6.30am in the middle of winter was a stretch for this normally late riser. (You can leave your car at the station for free) But it was worth it. I dozed a little until the sun came … [Read more...]
Peel Forest – Ancient and Accessible Legacy
Peel Forest is somewhere we had talked about staying some time, now we have a caravan to aid our exploring of New Zealand. We have finally carved out some time for a visit. Peel Forest is at the foot of the Southern Alps - 23 kms north of Geraldine in South Canterbury, 140 kms from Christchurch. It is part of the Mt Peel/Waikari Hills Conservation Area, situated by the … [Read more...]
Explore the Bays of Banks Peninsula
Our view is framed by hills running steeply to the sea. The bay stretches out beyond the hills to the horizon where at times it seems seamlessly attached to the sky. Pushing through the small breakers on our kayaks, we are soon in deep water – it is an impossible turquoise colour. Large forests of kelp sway with the swell which seems to increase as we head further out. … [Read more...]
Secrets of North Canterbury – Camping at Gore Bay
In the end it was the Bellbirds that called us – they were cavorting noisily in the pohutukawa trees out to the corner of the flat paddock which was the Buxton campground at Gore Bay. Easy choice for our first night in our new caravan. The second campground was nearer the swimming end of the beach, has slightly more facilities, and looked out more on the beach, but … [Read more...]
Explore Christchurch by Kayak
The Ōtākaro/Avon River runs through the Botanic Gardens, through the city centre, past Margaret Mahy Playground, Kerrs Reach and out to the Ihutai estuary. I have always wanted to kayak it, and today is the day! Katarina Te Maiharoa (KT) is our guide. KT has combined her passion for the outdoors, her love of Christchurch, and her connection to local iwi Waitaha to create … [Read more...]
Night Skies and Milky Way in New Zealand
I have been in Beijing where in the middle of the day you can look at the sun without shading your eyes. The chance of seeing stars is so remote there, and in some other parts of the world that going somewhere to see the Night Sky is high on the bucket list of many folk. If this is you, then the place to come is New Zealand. My friend Ewa Jermakowicz was recently in New … [Read more...]
Christchurch to Picton – try the Inland Route
For a year, the only way to go north from Christchurch was to take this Inland Route as the road through Kaikoura was badly damaged by an earthquake. Although it is mostly open now, it can still be slow going as road works and reconstruction continue. However people discovered the magic of the Inland Route to Picton - discover Lake Sumner, the St James walkway, mist dripping … [Read more...]
Lake Sumner – trying out the 4WD
What is the worst thing that can happen - the car stops and we are stuck. No mobile reception. I suppose a big butch 4WD could soon come along and rescue us... I wonder how deep it is.... Deep breath, keep breathing and drive through it, whatever you do don't stop. More heavy breathing as I realise it is deeper than I thought. Keep … [Read more...]
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