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| In Christchurch, I plan to ride on the ticky-tacky trams. Photo is from this site, run through Tilt Shift Maker |
The only other time I've been to Christchurch was on a road trip around the South Island with Andy and Lizzie, and that was something like six or seven years ago now. Also, I think we stayed just long enough to complain about the coffee so I didn't really have a good look at anything in particular, just whinged and then jumped back in the hippie van we were travelling in. Maybe we looked at the Avon some and said something about it being pretty.
I'm staying with Shan-dawg, who is being sent down there to work. This means I get free accommodation and get to play house; spend all day wandering about by myself and all evening eating and drinking with my Boy. Heaven.
So far, most of my plans involve the Arts Centre. It's got a pretty amazing reputation, and there are craft and food markets held there! Also, apparently some kind of late night GHOST WALK. Shannon has already agreed to do this excessively geeky thing with me, but I will need to buy tickets for us. I'm really excited at the prospect of going on a fun history walk geek-out type thing with my boyfriend.
Food and bar-wise, I am planning on going to Dux de Lux. And that's about where my knowledge runs out.
Also, I want to hit some op-shops and vintage shops, and knitting/fabric shops. I had a quick look around the internets and have made a list of op-shops that look hopeful.
Anyhow, as much fun as it will be roaming aimlessly, I was hoping that someone would be able to help me out with the op shops and bars and stuff? I asked what I should do on Facebook and most people suggested that I either go and murder people or become murdered myself (which is a bad taste reference to Christchurch's reputation as a "crime capital", for those of you not in New Zealand). Lyttleton also looked popular.
Any more suggestions? Or should I get a phone book out and start looking for Bill Hammond?
And, lastly - does anybody want to have coffee with me?
OMG I HAVE TO TAKE YOU TO GESTHEMANE GARDENS. And also the Sign of the Takahe in Cashmere is possibly one of the naffest places you'll ever encounter. How about I kidnap you for an afternoon or so and take you on a tour of tackiness around the city?
ReplyDeleteUh - YES PLEASE. I think I saw a TV show once that reference Gethsemane Gardens. I want to play on the Ark.
ReplyDeleteI love the Tackiness plan!
Fab. I'll work on an itinerary.
ReplyDeleteOh I love Christchurch! I think it has a pretty unfair reputation really.
ReplyDeleteI've been there a few times but I really want to go back and see more.
I didn't know there was a ghost walk there - I would totally geek out and do that! There is one in Dunedin and the guide is incredible.
The arts centre is great - I don't know if your craft love extends to beading but there is an amazing bead shop in one of the buildings there (it's inside one of the main buildings rather than outside). It's one of those places you can either just buy supplies or sit down and they will help you make something awesome. I love stuff like that.
Also the art gallery near the arts centre is awesome.
Oh and the Gondola has amazing views! You should go there.
And the tram and go punting on the Avon river...
I how I want to visit Christchurch again....
Also - can you tell me where you got or are getting your filofax from? I am home on the 1 of September for 2 weeks and I desperatly want to buy one. I've seen another blogger post about them and to be honest since I've been overseas my life has decended into an organisational black hole. I seriously need a filofax! (oh and it helps they are completely awesome).
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, I think I have been to Christchurch at least twice a year for the last 28 years, and maybe because of this, I don't love it. It's a lot more touristy than Wellington and therefore I've always found it to be quite expensive. I've never been that impressed by the Arts Centre, but then, maybe it's just not my thing.
ReplyDeleteOK, sorry now I'm sounding really negative. Too many family holidays there for me.
There is a great sausage stall at the Saturday market there though. Dux de Lux is good for a bar, but the food is pretty bad. They have delicious alcoholic ginger beer. C4 is a pretty good cafe- on HIgh Street. In fact, I think you'll probably want to be generally hanging around High Street. Otherwise, other than the Galleries I'd recommend getting out of Chch and heading to Lyttleton (not that far away).
Trees doll, the Filofax is more generic organiser and is coming from Trade Me (quelle fash I know). Gondola could be fun! Getting my tourist on. I will totally pull peace signs all over the city BTW.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I'm totes into sausages, so I will defo do that, and C4 I shall investigate. x
Thanks Ginger! I shall trall Trade Me till I find one and have it sent to the whanau's house.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to seeing you rock the peace sign.
Ok. As a girl from Chch...I hate it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, hang at the arts centre. Get coffee from Le Cafe. Go to the bead shop, but don't buy anything (it's massively overpriced). I dunno what's on at the Robert Mac, but it's usually worth a look.
Take Shan to Under The Red Verandah for a romantic dinner.
There's some really cute boutiquey shops in the High St/Poplar Lane area.
That's about all I can come up with. :)
Under The Red Verandah is now on my list - it's S's birthday while I'm down there so he's probably due some romantic eating time.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Le Cafe is now on my list good and proper. As are boutiquey shops. Yay, things to do!