Just Back From...

Christchurch, New Zealand

By Lee Franks

Sydney-Christchurch return for $330 including tax?! I had been vaguely promising to visit friends of mine since they moved to Christchurch over 3 years ago. In an idle moment browsing fares I spotted this doozy from Pacific Blue and the timings were the final clincher. Leave work early Friday night and fly at 6.30 pm, then an ultra early start from Christchurch Tuesday morning meant landing in Sydney in time to be at my desk by 9am. Now that's what I call maximum use of one's time. Ok, there's a small matter of having to wake up at 3.30 am to get to the check in counter by 4, but hey, you do these crazy things when you're on holiday.

Had a very comfortable journey over on Pacific Blue. With a flying time of around 3 hours it's cheaper and quicker than getting to Queensland. Pacific Blue's crew are as irrepressiby 'chirpy' as their Virgin Blue counterparts. The steward illicited uproarious laughter when he said "Welcome to New Zealand, home of the Bledisloe Cup, the Tri-Nations, the Netball Cup ..." and so on. Ah, bless our little Kiwi cousins.

They really are super-super friendly in Christchurch - even the immigration officer was up for a chat. "Ah, a trivul agunt are yo?" says he "Yiss" says I, keen to be accepted. Then it was off to Begguj reclaim (it's addictive you know, this kiwi-speak) My pal came to collect me and as we wandered off to the carpark I began fishing around for money ... no need, it's free! Anyone who's used Sydney airports where they charge you for pulling on your handbreak for 10 seconds will gasp at this revelation. So, still with change in my pocket we drove off along traffic free roads into the darkness whilst I marvelled at the spectacular mass of stars.

Everything about Christchurch is fresh and clean. I took huge gulps of air, gulped down the water from the tap and marvelled at how clean my skin was and how white my nails.

The 'City' of Christchurch itself is realy small and manageable on foot, I love the fact it has a huge and utterly wonderful botanic gardens right in the centre with every imaginable variety of tree, and the river Avon running slap bang through the middle with ducks and cute bridges and things - like a set from Thomas the Tank Engine. They have Trams AND Punts too - does it get any cuter?! There's a great little outdoor market at the Art Centre where you can get some lovely and unique souvenirs.

But get a car and drive cos the canterbury region is stunning and your photos will look awesome! We drove up and up and up to the hills surrounding the city and had a spectacular view for miles around. We drove down the other side to Lyttleton and took a ferry ride across the harbour, then carried on driving through the hills to Sumner Beach (great homemade ice-cream here)

The next day we took a drive to Hanmer Springs, up in the mountains about an hour or so North West of the city. It's a very scenic drive but even more breathtaking the further you get into the mountains. Once you get here you can soak in Hot Springs of course or you can just opt as we did to 'tramp' around the place and breathe in the air.

I could go on and on but suffice to say, I loved the place and I came back with little pink apple cheeks and a deep sense of well-being. But thank goodness I didn't park my car at Sydney airport or that feeling wouldn't have lasted! ;-)