A Year Ago

Almost a year ago, Heather and I spent a 4 day weekend in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Overlooking Lyttelton to the west.
Taken a year ago, a earthquake earlier this year has changed Lyttelton, taking some of its famous landmarks.Harbour Light theatre, The Empire Hotel, the Lyttelton Coffee Company and The historic Timeball Station have sadly been destroyed.

Christchurch Cathedral, New Zealand
22/2/11 A 6.3 earthquake has severely damaged the Cathedral today.
flic.kr/p/9k8q8k

All text and photographs are Copyright ©2010-11 Paul Anslow. All rights reserved. www.anslow.net

The Antarctic Attraction

The Antarctic Attraction, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

'The Antarctic Attraction' is a well known tourist attraction, just a few minutes walk from Christchurch Airport. The centre operates a Hagglund Ride around the centre's land. This is a great educational tool for all ages, to display the mobility of the Hagglund, an Antarctic Vehicle that is still in operation. Among other attractions, there is an Antarctic snow storm room, an audiovisual, large interactive displays of exploration equipment and little blue penguins at the NZ Penguin Encounter.

USAF Hercules "City of Christchurch" at The International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch NZ, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

USAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules, 31096 National Science Foundation - "City of Christchurch" NZ. Equipped with Skis on landing gear at the The International Antarctic Centre.

Hagglund all terrain vehicle, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Hagglund All Terrain Vehicle
Hagglunds are Swedish dual-cab, medium class, over-snow vehicles which can carry four passengers in the front cab. They have a towing capacity of 2 tonnes on suitable sleds, and they operate over most snow and ice terrain including sea ice and soft snow. The Assault Course at the International Antarctic Centre is quite an experience and demonstrates the unique capabilities of this vehicle.

Having a Slide, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Having a Slide
At the International Antarctic Centre in their Cool Room at -18 degrees Celsius, you can get dressed up and experience some of the Antarctic Weather.

Antarctic Camp, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Antarctic Camp
A hands on display at the International Antarctic Centre.

NZ Penguin Encouter, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

NZ Penguin Encouter
at the International Antarctic Centre.

The following day,
I woke at 3:30am NZ time after a very broken sleep, to wind and rain, dressed and found my taxi was waiting out the front. The Taxi Driver (Cabbie) didn't have my motel unit number so he was waiting to see which one would turn on the lights. I had a quick and uneventful trip to the airport chatting with the Cabbie. New Zealanders are a relaxed and friendly people. Christchurch Airport was wet and not too busy as I arrived at 3:50am. booked in my luggage, paid my departure tax and sat down to a coffee and a breakfast wrap. I wasn't as lucky with legroom and spend most of the flight napping.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

In 1997 the restored turquoise-and-yellow Peacock Fountain (named after the Honourable John Peacock who gave it to the city in 1906, not after any birds on it) was located among the bedding display. Originally sited at the east end of the Archery Lawn, it was dismantled in 1949 because of deterioration and high maintenance costs. In 1996 it was restored to it former glory and was officially re-opened the following year in its new location just inside the main gate on Rolleston Avenue. The building in the background is the Canterbury Museum.

Te Mana O Mareikura

Te Mana O Mareikura, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Te Mana O Mareikura is a Maori Performing Arts group managed and taught by Nikora Nitro. Mareikura was formed in 2004, originally as a community based haka group for those passionate about the combined style of the founding tutors Nikora Nitro and Kaperiere Hogan.
www.whakaaria.com/

The Lyttelton Timeball Station

The Lyttelton Timeball Station, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

The Lyttelton Timeball Station (1876) is one of a handful of timeball stations that have survived throughout the world, and the only original one still standing in New Zealand. www.historic.org.nz/en/sitecore/content/Destinations/Home...

Lyttelton

Lyttelton Coffee Company, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Lyttelton Coffee Company. Heather and I had a great brunch there. Great food and atmosphere.

HRH, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

A long way to come for Fish and Chips ;-).

The Steam Tug Lyttelton, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

The steam tug Lyttelton, was built in 1907 by Fergusson Brothers Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland. Once commissioned the tug was sailed out to Lyttelton, New Zealand via the newly opened Suez Canal. By 1938 the tug was found to too small and her owners, the Harbour Board placed an order for a new tug with Lobnitz & Co. of Renfrew on the Clyde, the Lyttelton II. Later that year New Zealand prepared for war and the Royal New Zealand Navy used her to transport mines, drop depth charges and equipped her with a canon and machine gun. After the war the Lyttelton was returned to her owners and in 1970 was laid up without work. Volunteers spent 2,749 man-hours restoring the tug and in 1973 she became a passenger steamer on Lyttelton harbour. In 1991 the Lyttelton Preservation Society purchased the vessel from the owners for the price of $1.00. www.tuglyttelton.co.nz

The Akaroa Lighthouse

The Akaroa Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

The Akaroa lighthouse was originally situated on Banks Peninsula on the eastern head of the Akaroa harbour and commissioned in 1880. The light was preserved and moved to this location in 1980 after being replaced with a modern light.

View from the Akaroa Lighthouse

A Distant View, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

On the way to Akaroa, a distant view of the Southern Alps.

Action

Lisa at Carters Canine Capers wasn't available to board our two Chihuahuas, Mac and Cody this time, as she is off to the UK to see Crufts 2010, the best dog show in the world.  Heather and I were recommended by Lisa to Debra at Acacia Lodge Boarding Kennels.  

We went there today to inspect the facilities and say hello. Debra met the boys and they instantly liked her.  Debra has a beautiful set up with plenty of space and exercise areas, so we are now confident that our boys will be happy during their stay.

Chappie and Polly will be staying at home, thanks to Issy who will house sit them and do a couple of odd jobs for us.

We also booked  out Accommodation at the Azena Motel and Rental Car (Toyota Corona) today. Now all we need to is pack, sort out our work and things at home!  Not long to go now!

 

Planning

Our leave and the flights are booked. Like the UK trip we are both travelling on different flights (just like royalty ☺ ). Now all we need to do is book accommodation, rent a car, work out what to pack and complete our Itinerary. Exploring the Banks Peninsular and Akaroa is one trip planned.

We are off to New Zealand

 

Heather and I are planning a brief visit to Christchurch, New Zealand. We were going out to Parkes, in Western New South Wales, but Heathers work had other ideas, so off to Christchurch NZ we go. By using Heathers frequent flyer points I get to carry Heathers bags. :-)

All text and photographs are Copyright ©2010 Paul Anslow. All rights reserved. www.anslow.net