Charming Christchurch!

Christchurch in New Zealand offers a splendid view of the majestic Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean 
Charming Christchurch!

HYDERABAD: The scenic splendour of every part of New Zealand is well known: many a traveller had sung paeans to its turquoise blue lakes, patchwork plains, dense rain forests, snow-clad mountains, emerald green meadows dotted with white balls of sheep grazing in peace and contentment. To witness all this pristine beauty, I thought spending long hours in flights or in the airports waiting for them is worth every minute as the rewards are high. 

When I reached Christchurch on a bright sunny morning, it was a glorious start to one of my most memorable travels. It is spring in New Zealand now - the right time to be in the Garden City of Christchurch as blossoms in profusion feast the eyes from every corner.
The city of Christchurch is situated on the eastern edge of the fertile Canterbury plains, stretching towards the towering majesty of the Southern Alps, sitting between the stirring expanses of the Pacific Ocean. It has been the gateway to Antarctica for over100 years: known as the “Southern Gate”, it is a portal through which all travellers must pass. 

Named after Christchurch - Oxford, England, it is said to be the oldest city in New Zealand (31 July 1856), many of the city’s “Gothic Revival” buildings date from this period. The city has a rich Maori and European history with the area first being inhabited by the people of Ngai Tahu around a thousand years ago before Europeans landed in 1815. Strong links to both Ngai Tahu and England can be seen throughout the city including my hotel, “Chateau on the Park Christchurch, a Double Tree by Hilton”, an exclusive retreat huddled in pretty gardens offering peace and quietude. 

Lunch at Curator’s House
The Curator’s House looks as pretty as a postcard set at the threshold of the Botanic Gardens: this English heritage building built in 1920, once housed its curator until the1980s. The restaurant soaks in its ambiance with lovely alfresco seating among the gardens and trellises. Amidst swaying roses in a multitude of colours, we feasted on traditional Spanish Tapas, sharing paellas like how we Indians share food. 

Botanic Gardens 
Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English oak tree, the elegantly cultivated 21-hectare park with more than 10 different gardens framed by matured trees and expansive lawns is a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. In fact, this green heart of the Garden City nestles in a loop in the Avon River: the tree-lined paths and lawns, colourful flowerbeds and feature gardens showcase some native and exotic plants. The guided tour in the green caterpillar (an electrically powered vehicle) takes visitors around, embracing the flora, fauna, and history of this oasis.

Avon River
It is an indispensable part of Christchurch’s landscape that winds its way through the whole city. Otakaro/Avon River holds great significance for Ngai Tahu: the river was their commercial vein, transport route, the source of mahinga kai (food-gathering site), and the place by which they lived and traded. In 1842, early Scottish settlers at Riccarton, William and John Deans gave the river its European name after the Avon River in Ayrshire, Scotland. 

Punting on the Avon
A romantic 30-minute punt (flat-bottomed boat) ride along the Avon River in Christchurch, floated past willows lining the riverbanks as the punter Jean, dressed in traditional Edwardian costume, used a long pole to glide on serene waters. Jean and I fondly spoke of the beautiful Normandy region in France where he hails from. We connected over the charming city of Caen, the ever- romantic towns of Deauville and Trouville. Having studied international law, business and modern languages like English, Spain, and Portuguese; Jean wants to travel around the world now. He sang a lovely French song as we drifted through the Botanic Gardens.

Earthquake Memorial
Relaxed and rejuvenated after the boat ride, we decided to walk back to the hotel, exploring the city. On the way we stopped at the ‘Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial’ that was erected for those killed in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Located on both sides of the Avon River, downstream from the Montreal Street Bridge, the names of 185 people killed are inscribed on the marble wall. Shaded by maple trees, it is a serene place where visitors can spend time in reflection and honour the victims. At many memorials, names are listed alphabetically but here they are listed by the relationship: people who died at in the same building or location are grouped together. 

We passed through Hagley Park, which is the largest public space in Christchurch typified by its trees and broad open spaces. In its early days, Hagley Park was used for horse races. In recent years the park has hosted many visiting circuses and open-air concerts.That night at the Corianders Ethnic Indian Restaurant, as we argued vehemently over the best biryani in India, we refuelled ourselves on home (Indian) food to face a great trip ahead for the next few days.

As a tourist destination Canterbury harbours a wealth of activities for visitors: ranging from fine dining to high end boutique shopping, adventure tourism, sports and leisure parks and gardens, championship golf courses, bike tracks, beaches and coastal walkways. Once you pass through the Southern Gateway your options for adventure are endless. And we were fully set and raring to go!!
(The author is a documentary filmmaker and travel writer; she blogs at 
vijayaprataptravelandbeyond.com)

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