Sorry to skip Picton but the 3 of us were down with wind induced sore throats, (Janis), bad sinuses (Colinda) and oncoming cold (Dalna) so we stayed on board and hunkered down. Dalna and I rallied for Christchurch with some big plans but...
The gondola ride as seen above, was not operating bc of high winds. We had to take a shuttle bus, then a city bus to get up there so we waited around for 30 minutes with still no sign of the winds calming down. Took another city bus into the city and went to our next stop, punting on the Avon River
This was delightful. The Avon runs through Christchurch and beside Hagley Park, supposed to be the largest city park in the world at 400 acres. A punt is very close to the water making it dicey to get into and even dicier to get out of-say goodbye to decorum! We saw a 138 year old sequoia brought in from CA. Just a baby.
This was my favorite. We punted under it going up the river. Our "punter", stood on the back with his pole to move us up, down, around, etc and kept up a running guide.
Close up and personal with some river ducks. These don't quack- they sound like a crying baby! I wouldn't have believed it but we heard them.
After our leisurely time on the river we had to make a decision to try the gondola again or go into the downtown area. We opted for staying. We had learned that the New Zealand national dish is mince pies but had never had one. In a small shop with no seating called Butcher's Pies we bought a mince pie, basically beef and gravy in a really nummy crust. I'm not a beef eater most of the time but that was scrumptious! Right outside was a table with high stools, perfect for eating and people watching.
Once again I am so impressed with the cleanliness of New Zealand, the friendly people, and the landscape of high hills and water. It's not as warm the further south we go. Wonder what Dunedin will be like tomorrow.
Stay tuned
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