"Reloaded"



Some spectacular vistas of New Zealand

Some spectacular vistas of New Zealand
These are just a tiny sample of the views I experienced during my last visit to New Zealand in late December '05 and January '06. So it is easy to see why I am drawn back to this beautiful country ...

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Christchurch ... the Redeemer

Thur 8th - Fri 9th - Sat 10th - Sun morning 11th

So I am able to completely relax for 3¾ days and 4 blissful nights in this oasis of calm, otherwise known as Richard and Tanya's home in the Ilam District of Christchurch, which is situated on the western side of town.

I take the opportunity to explore this "Garden City" by-the-sea; and must say that I’m impressed with my discoveries.

People seem to either like, or dislike, Christchurch. I definitely fall into the former category.

It’s a busy place - but not overly busy .. almost in a laid-back sorta way.

The surrounding geography is fascinating, as one would expect, I guess; what with the sprawl of populous being spread around the remains of an extinct volcano.


A picture of the district of Lyttelton, taken from the rim of the aforementioned volcanic crater.

A wider angle view

The earliest dates of a regularly organised society that I've seen in New Zealand so far are right here in the Christchurch area.

My first visit to the Christchurch area occurred over the course of a couple of days during the very start of January 2006, when we stopped-over in the nearby (87 km - 54 miles) heavily French-influenced harbour township of Akaroa, in the heart of the southern Banks Peninsular.

On the rim of this second extinct volcano can be found the "Hillside Bar and Restaurant", where the excellence and quality of the food served in this establishment is eclipsed only by the stunning overview down into Akaroa Harbour.

I recall, last year, ordering the "Today's Special" meal of Jerk Chicken and Rice, whilst Ellen and Mark opted for the perhaps more safer option of Bacon Cheeseburgers and Chips. I chose the wrong deal! ...

.. so I take the opportunity during this visit to put matters right, during a cloudier, but much less windier, Friday afternoon. 'Tis indeed a mighty-fine burger, which remarkably my first one since landing in NZ back in early December '06.

Top burgers at the Hilltop, there's no bout to doubt it .. :o)

Akaroa Township is still much as I remembered it .. and why shouldn't it be [??]

The unfolding views make it a little hard to concentrate on the delights of the twisty road into and out of the Banks Peninsular as it wends its way around the hamlet of Duvauchelle ...

.. and Barrys Bay .. et autres.