Chapter 1: Christchurch – Where English Charm Meets Kiwi Spirit
Our tale begins with my wife and I setting off on an epic journey to explore the wonders of New Zealand, a land where every corner holds a new adventure. Our odyssey spanned both the North & South Islands, promising a kaleidoscopes and experiences.
The journey to New Zealand was a marathon one, but the excitement of exploring a new country kept us going. After 14 hours of flying from London, we arrived in Singapore, where we had a brief layover before boarding our next flight. The next ten hours were spent in the air, and finally, we landed in Christchurch, New Zealand.
As we stepped out of the airport, we were warmly greeted by our tour manager, who would be our guide for the entire trip. We boarded the coach that was reserved for our journey and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Christchurch is known as the most English city in New Zealand, and we could see why. The city was charming, with its quaint architecture and beautiful gardens.
Our hotel was located just off a huge park in Christchurch, and we were delighted to find that it was the perfect place to unwind after a long days of travel. After dinner, I went for a walk in the park, and the fresh air was invigorating. It was the perfect way to start our journey and marking the end of our third day in this world.
Chapter 2: Banks Peninsula – Cruising with Dolphins, Seals and Soaring with Views
On the fourth day of our trip, we boarded the coach and headed to Banks Peninsula, a jewel set in ocean’s crown. The two hour drive was scenic, and we were in awe of the stunning landscape. When we arrived at Akaroa Harbour, we embarked on a ship for a two hour cruise. As we sailed through the waters, we saw small blue dolphins, which are only found in this part of the world. We also saw seals basking on rocky outcrops, and the experience was truly unforgettable.
Cashmere Hill Lookout became our sky-high throne, offering panoramic vistas of the city bathed in the golden glow of sunset. Lyttelton Harbour winked at us from afar, a promise of more beauty to come.
Chapter 3: Steeps and Steampunk: Dunedin’s Quirky Charm
On the fifth day, we ventured towards Dunedin, a city with a Scottish heart and a strong Scottish heritage. Along the way, we stopped at several places, including Burnette Street in Ashburton. Once known as the ”Fleet Street” of Ashburton, this street was once home to newspapers and printers who piled their trade.
Our next stop was Heritage Place in Timaru, a place of historical significance. We were fascinated by the stories of the past and rich history of the area.
Before reaching Dunedin, we stopped at Oamaru, which was once known for its population of blue penguins and its collection of Victorian architecture. However, it has now become the world’s unlikely capital of steampunk. We were amazed by the unique blend of old and new, it was a sight to behold.
Upon arriving in Dunedin, we were offered a challenge: to walk up to the top of the steepest street in the world, called Baldwin Street. Some of us completed the challenge successfully, and as I walked down the street, the view was spectacular.
The final activity of the day was Dunedin City orientation, where we learned about the city’s rich history and culture.
Chapter 4: Otago Peninsula & Dunedin – Albatrosses, Art, and Ancient Echoes
On the sixth day of our journey, we went to Otago Peninsula in the morning to watch wildlife, particularly albatrosses, seals, and other birds. The journey was less than an hour, and the view was spectacular. We also saw Taiaroa Head Jail near Royal Albatross Centre, which was of historical importance.
In the afternoon, we visited several landmark buildings, including Chinese Garden. Chinese immigrants moved to this region during the gold rush in the 19th century, and the garden is a testament to their legacy. We also visited the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, which focuses on the history of settlement and transportation in the region, providing a comprehensive look into past of this unique area. We couldn’t miss the city’s most prominent architectural landmark, the Dunedin Railway Station, which is still functioning. The booking hall alone features a mosaic floor of almost 750,000 tiles of Royal Doulton porcelain.
Finally, early in the evening, I decided to take a walk in the art streets in Dunedin. I’m so glad that I did it. Dunedin has a surprising amount of street art in the CBD, and it was a great way to end our journey through this historical city.
