Canterbury Touristtimes September 2018 by Touristtimes

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Canterbury - September 2018

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See Page 10

0800 452 456

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340 Main North Road, Redwood, Christchurch

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Telephone 352 9165 Freephone: 08004REDWOOD

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Page 2 — Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018

Best Clubs in NZ or your money back! Open Seven Days a Week 5pm till 4am

243 K’ Road Auckland 13 Dixon Street Wellington 63 Victoria Street Christchurch

www.calendargirls.co.nz

AUCKLAND

WELLINGTON

Work at Dancers Go Go Girls and Promo girls always wanted all cities We are always looking for the best talent, both behind the bar or on stage, If you have what it takes to work in New Zealand’s finest gentleman’s clubs.

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CHRISTCHURCH

Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018 — Page 3

September 2018 tourist times team Editor Scott Mullions scott@touristtimes.co.nz Ph: 0800 15 15 25 Mobile: 021 669 303

Welcome to

CHRISTCHURCH!

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. The first recorded settlers were the Maori and, in 1840, the first Europeans settled on the plains. In 1850, the first organised groups of English immigrants arrived on “the first four ships”, and they are said to be the city founders. In July, 1856, when land was set aside for the building of the cathedral in an area that would become the city centre, Christchurch was declared a city – the first in this new land.

Christchurch is “The Garden City” at any time of the year and is celebrated each year with events such as the Festival of Flowers. Christchurch remains a thriving centre, the shopping is world class with many unique boutique stores and unique department stores in Merivale as well as large malls in the suburbs and most visitor activities are operating as usual. Christchurch is proud of its sporting prowess, with the importance of rugby and cricket being relevant reflections of the city’s past. Of course, Christchurch is just as proud of its world-class golf courses, alpine resorts just out of the city and the motor racing track at Ruapuna. Today the population of this exciting city is 340,000 – big enough to be a city with all the benefits of a large metropolis, but small enough to retain a friendly sense of community.

Accounts Lisa Wilson accounts@touristtimes.co.nz Published by Tourist Times SouthIsland Ltd Member of New Zealand Tourist Times Newspaper Group Ltd

New Regent Street

At the time of publication Tourist Times has to the best of it’s knowledge been supplied with accurate information. Tourist Times cannot, however, be held responsible for any consequence arising from any errors or omissions

Boost your business today advertise with

Opened in 1932, New Regent St is Christchurch’s only complete heritage streetscape. With beautiful Spanish Mission Architecture and distinctive pastel colour scheme it is popular with both the locals and the tourists. Check out the exciting range of boutique shops, fudge, whiskey, jewellery and cafes, it has something for everyone. New Regent St is also on the Tram route, so if your tramming around the inner city make sure you jump off for a look round.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Located in the heart of the city, the Gardens were founded in 1863 when an English Oak Tree was planted to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. With more than 10 gardens, they are spread over 21 hectares and have variety of exotic and local plants of New Zealand plus a number of artworks dotted around. The gardens it is a place of peace and tranquility and is popular with locals and tourists alike. Opening at 7am daily. Entry is free.

Cardboard Cathedral 0800 151525 021669303 enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz or visit us online at

touristtimes.co.nz to find out more

Sign of the Kiwi

Originally called Toll House, the Sign of the Kiwi is situated on Dyers Pass Rd between Christchurch and Govenors Bay. It was built in 1916-17 by Harry Ell as a staging post and opened as a tearoom and rest house. It is a category 1 heritage classification and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, especially those who have just walked the popular Harry Ell track,road or mountain cyclists or even just those who want to take in the fantastic vistas. Closed after the 2011 earthquake, it has reopened once again as a café, and is a perfect stop off for whatever you might be doing.

The Cardboard Transitional Cathedral and was built after the original cathedral was damaged in an earthquake in February 2011.The Transitional Cathedral is located at 234 Hereford Street. An easy walk from the any point in the central city, the Cathedral sits at the southern end of Latimer Square, beside the future ‘Green Frame’.

The Crossing

The Arts Centre

Situated in the former University of Canterbury buildings. There are 23 heritage buildings, 2 of which are a category 1. Following the 2011 earthquake the complex was closed for major repairs, however a good portion has now been re-opened. Prior to the earthquake the centre had speciality shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, galleries, theaters and cinemas. The Court Theater is a professional theater company founded in 1971 and was based at the Arts Centre from 1976 to 2010. Now with a lot of the repairs complete business’ have been returning, as well as the weekend market which is open during the summer.

The Crossing is Christchurchs newest retail precincts, so far 11 business’s have opened with more to come in 2018. So if you are wanting a little bit of retail therapy while in the city check out The Crossing, H & M, Country Road, Seed are just a few exciting stores to have opened with many eateries as well.

Christchurch Airport i-SITE Christchurch A

Welcome welcomes of the Christchurch andto Welcome to to Christchurch Christchurch and and Canterbury! Canterbury! Christchurch Christchurch International International Airport AirportWelcome welcomesto90% 90% of all all arrivals arrivals toCanterbury! the South South Christchurch International Airpo Island All staff are travelled around our Island of we’d love to help Island of of New New Zealand Zealand and and we’d we’d love love to to help help you you plan plan and and book book your your dream dream holiday. holiday. AllNew staffZealand are well welland travelled around our you plan and book your dream country do! us help turn dream into ready letyour you know to go, how to get there and what to country and and ready ready to to let let you you know know where where to to go, go, how how to to get get there there and and what what to to country do! Visit Visitand us to to helpto turn your dreamwhere into reality. reality.

Ask us about: We service and to We provide provide aa free free booking booking service and enjoy enjoy offering offering our our local, local, expert expert advice adviceWe to provide a free booking service and enjoy offering our local, expert ad • Accommodation ensure ensure you you experience experience the the best best of of New New Zealand. Zealand. Conveniently Conveniently located located in in the the ensure you experience the best of New Zealand. Conveniently located in Activities & attractions International are to are available to assist you with all your Ne International Arrivals Arrivals Hall, Hall,• we we are available available to assist assist you you with with all all your your New New International Arrivals Hall, we OPEN 7 DAYS , 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR • Campervan hire Zealand Zealand travel plans. Zealand travel travel plans. plans. 8:00AM -6:00PM (closingInternational times may change) 7.30am 7.00pm plus all arriving flights • Car rental hire • New Zealand holiday tours & packages P P Accommodation Reservations P Accommodation Accommodation Reservations Reservations • Scenic rail P P Rental Cars and Campers P Rental Rental Cars Cars and and Campers Campers • Ferry crossings P Ferry, Train and Bus Tickets P Ferry, Train and Bus Tickets P Ferry, Train and Bus •Tickets National coach/shuttles 0800 LOVE NZ P P Activities and Attractions P Activities Activities and and Attractions Attractions • Chartered transport services 03 353 7774 P Tours • Sightseeing trips P Full NZ Guided and Independent Tours P Full Full NZ NZ Guided Guided and and Independent Independent Tours travel&tourism@cial.co.nz • Day tours www.christchurchairport.co.nz

Treat yourself and your loved one to world-class pampering

Massage Therapy Couples Treatments Pampering Packages

only 10mins from CBD

ELEMIS Facials Hot Stone Massage Body Scrubs Proud retailer of luxury skincare

Available online or in the Spa. Free delivery within New Zealand

P 03 980 5400 info@lotusspa.co.nz 9 Ernlea Terrace Cashmere, Christchurch www.lotusspa.co.nz

Northwood

Styx Mill Rd

Northcote Rd

McLeans Island Rd

Casebrook

74 rth ain M

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Strowan nd

Ilam

Russley st R

Edgeware

Wainoni

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Fitzgerald Ave

Opawa

Saint Martins

Garland

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Beckenham

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Riccarton

Richmond Hill

Heathcote Valley

Westmorland

Sumner

Cracroft

Maxwell

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Halswell POPLAR ST

BEADZ UNLIMITED & New Regent Street Phone 03 379 5126 well

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YALDHURST MUSEUM First turn past Yaldhurst Hotel on Main West Road Phone 03 342 7914

INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTRE 38 Orchard Road, (across from Christchurch airport) Phone 0508 736 48 46

Westfield

Cashmere

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AIRFORCE MUSEUM 45 Harvard Ave, Wigram Phone 03 343 9532

Moncks Bay

Huntsbury

Redcliffs Ferrymead

Cashmere

Southshore

74A St

WILLOWBANK WILDLIFE RESERVE 60 Hussey Road Phone 03 359 6226

Hoon Hay

ORANA WILDLIFE PARK McLeans Island Road Phone 03 359 7109

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CHRISTCHURCH i-SITE Rolleston Ave, Next to the Museum. Freephone 0800 423 783

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ADVERTISER KEY:

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Brougham St

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Wigram Park Wigram Airport

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Colombo St

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1 TO DUNEDIN

Addington

Middleton

Bromley

Moorhouse Ave

73A

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Phillipstown

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Blenheim Rd

Car

Hornby

Blenheim Rd

South New Brighton

Linwood

Clyde

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SEE INSERT

Waltham Rd

Islington

Riccarton

Avonside

er Ave

Riccarton Rd

Richmond

Harp

Upper Riccarton

Bexley

Dallington

Bealey Ave

Sockburn

Hei Hei

Aranui

Fendalton

Deans Ave

Riccarton Racecourse

New Brighton

Shirley Merivale

air i Rd

Anzac Dr

hur

Travis Rd

Avondale

Sherborne St

Burwood

Burnside Avonhead

Yald

Mairehau

Yaldhurst

Bryndwr

Saint Albans

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Northcote

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Tunnel Rd

Showing main aterial roads

Marshland Marshland Rd

Main North Rd

Redwood Cavendish Rd

Harewood

CHRISTCHURCH CITY MAP

Marshland Rd

Gardiners Rd

TO KAIKOURA, PICTON turn off at Waipara TO HANMER SPRINGS, NELSON

Hussey Rd

1 d sR

To Spencer Park, Spencerville

Belfast Johns Rd

Anzac Dr

South travelling route to AKAROA see pg 28 for details

Lyttelton

Bay R oa

Key

Red Line is Soaring Kiwi City Highlights Tour TO AKAROA Governors Bay

FOUR GREAT ATTACTIONS, ONE LOW PRICE!

Ph +64 3 366 7830

info@christchurchattractions.nz

Page 6 — Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018

MARKETS

WHAT’S ON in September... Friday Street Food Market

The Foundry, 90 Ilam Rd, Ilam, Christchurch Friday 14 September 2018 8:00pm – 11:00pm Following sold out performances throughout Europe and North America already this year, Australian superstar Amy Shark returns to New Zealand this September for three unmissable shows in support of her debut album, ‘Love Monster!’

Mt Pleasant Farmers Market

Mt Pleasant Community Centre, 3 McCormacks Bay Road, Christchurch Saturdays 9:30am – 12:30pm Mt Pleasant Farmers market is very much a local market with a great vibe and delicious food for sale including fresh fruit & vegetables, eggs, fresh fish, pastries, cakes and breads, flowers, deli goods, plants & herbs, small goods, great coffee & music. The market operates from 9:30am to 12:30pm every Saturday.

Every Sunday

RICCARTON PARK MARKET Riccarton Racecourse, 146 Racecourse Road Chch. The biggest market of its kind in New Zealand, held every Sunday from 9am to 2pm rain or shine. Everything from Fruit and Vegetables, second hand goods, plants and a huge variety of food and drinks with live music, a great place to visit. www.riccartonmarket.co.nz Every Weekend NELSON MARKET & MONTY’S SUNDAY MARKET Saturdays & Sundays 8am - 1pm, Montogomery Square Nelson. Recycled treasures, Brunch cafe style, a variety of stalls. Seaside Market New Brighton Pedestrian Mall, Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch City Saturdays 10am - 2pm Every Saturday, New Brighton’s pedestrian mall is filled with colour and creativity! Come down to the seaside and enjoy, live entertainment, great food, fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewellery and more. There’s also a bouncy castle and free face-painting for the littlies.

Amy Shark Love Monster Tour

Les Misérables

Cathedral Square, Cathedral Square, Christchurch Every Friday fromt 11:00am – 9:00pm The Friday Street Food Market brings together the best food trucks, food stands from around the world and live entertainment, buskers and more! Features vendors (in no particular order): 5 Foot way, Adams Malaysian Style Noodles, Escarto Espresso, Horse Shack Food Co, Indian Express, Indos Loveat, Kung Fu Dumplings, Lettuce Eat, Liberty Dogs, Little German Kitchen, Lucky Ninja, Malaysia delights Street Food, Polka Ltd, Q-Cuisine Catering, Spring Potato, Tag Coffee, The intergalactic pizza company, The Vagabond Chefs, The Whole Hog, Transylvanian Delight - kürtos kalács/chimney cake, Yaki Soba, Yummy Treats and more!

Boulevard Arts Market Worcester Boulevard, 31 -33 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch 10:00am – 3:00pm Daily An artisans market of quality, locally and New Zealand made arts and crafts and souvenirs. Reflecting the essence of New Zealand creativity. The Boulevard Arts Market is made up of a permanent container shop lane and space sited next door on two lawns for casual craft stalls. A wonderful Christchurch shopping experience, which are open 9:30 am - 5pm, 7 days a week. The Boulevard Arts Market offers: The WoodCraft Gallery that has wooden home wares, boxes, bowls, gifts and souvenirs. New Zealand Jade (pounamu, Green stone) jewellery stones gathered and carved on The West Coast. A unique and diverse range of New Zealand wool products from hot water bottle covers, toys and cushion covers.

Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Friday 14 September 2018 7:30pm – 10:20pm Buy Tickets – 0800 842 538 new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables. The epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption set against a nation in the throes of revolution. Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. This true modern classic is based on Victor Hugo’s novel and features one of the most memorable scores of all time. In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert.

Scared Scriptless

Court Theatre, Bernard St, Addington, Christchurch Friday 14 September 2018 10:15pm Adult: $20.00 ($20.00 + $0.00 fees) Under 25: $16.00 Buy Tickets – 03 963 0870 or 0800 333 100 Late every Friday and Saturday night, the lights go out at The Court Theatre and The Court Jesters take over... bringing you Scared Scriptless. Scared Scriptless has been running strong for 28 years. It is a late night improvised show where the wit of stand up, the exhilaration of theatre and the danger of not knowing what’s happening all collide in a glorious, theatrical mess. It’s one part cheeky, one part dangerous and all parts hilarious. Sit back and enjoy the comedy... or get involved by shouting out suggestions to inspire the improvisers. No matter your involvement, Scared Scriptless will have you doubled-over in laughter.

The Chills - Snow Bound Tour with Finn Andrews (The Veils) Americana Jam Session

Blue Smoke, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch Thursday 20 September 2018 8:00pm – 11:00pm General Admission: $50.00 The Chills announce, Snow Bound, their new studio album due out on September 14th. Consolidating the album out upon the peaks and troughs of New Zealand’s wondrous land and soundscapes, The Chills set off again on an extensive national tour. With main centres, and some smaller towns they missed on the last run, included in the 14 dates.

Pohatu Penguin Nature Tour

Moon Under Water, 152 Somerfield St, Christchurch Sunday 2 September 2018 2:30pm – 5:30pm Join us every Sunday for a good old fashioned acoustic jam session. We play Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Roots music etc. Everyone is welcome and any instrument encouraged.

Lyttelton Farmers Market

Back to the 80s: Retro Music Night Arcadia Retro Arcade & Pinball Emporia , 204 Barbadoes St , Christchurch Friday 7 September 2018 8:00pm – 2:00am We’re back again and now in a bigger venue! Come along for a night of music from the best decade, the 80s! DJs Regress & 59 to 1 will be playing all your favourites. Early Bird: $5.12 ($5.00 + $0.12 fees) General Admission: $10.25 ($10.00 + $0.25 fees)

Sons of Zion - Vantage Point NZ Tour London Street Lyttelton London Street Lyttelton, Lyttelton

Every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, on London Street

Stallholders with fresh fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, bread, meat, fish, cheese, juices, herbs and plants sell at the market every week. Local bands play every Saturday at the market and we run special events several times a year alongside our festivals, birthday and christmas.

Lincoln Farmers’ and Craft Market

The Foundry, 90 Ilam Rd, Ilam, Christchurch Saturday 8 September 2018 8:00pm One of New Zealand’s most exciting and renowned live acts, Sons of Zion, have just announced a seven-date nationwide tour. The announcement comes as the band’s latest hit ‘Drift Away’ continues to dominate Kiwi radio and smash up the charts. Watch here a live version of the song recorded for NZ Herald Time Out in celebration of New Zealand Music Month.

2018 Homeland of Chinese Festival Aurora Centre for the Performing Arts, Cnr Greers Rd and Memorial Ave, Burnside, Christchurch General Admission: $20.00 Saturday 8 September 2018 7:00pm – 9:00pm The Homeland is a multi-media multi-cultural performance show featuring Chinese and Russian performers to the stage performance consists of dancing, sing, fashion shows, documentary presentations on their cultural diversity, and fantastic stage lighting effects. It will be of a very high quality and colourful event.

Jake Blount and Libby Weitnauer (USA)

Lincoln Library, Corner Gerald Street and Lyttelton Street, Lincoln, Selwyn Saturdays 2017 10:00am – 1:00pm Come and soak in the country life at this friendly, popular community market in the picturesque township of Lincoln. Browse the many varied stalls at our weekly markets - local seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs, Artisan breads, pastries, slices and cakes, European sweet treats, gluten and dairy free cookies, gourmet pies, wine, honey, awardwinning cheeses, olive oil, hazelnut products, fudges, sauces and preserves, eco products, flowers and plants, children’s clothing, candles, distinctive jewellery, lavender, handmade hats and clothes, scarves, pottery, woodcraft, fabric toys & gifts, handmade cushions, garden art, unique artwork and cards etc. A genuine Farmers’ Market with a fantastic community spirit! Join in the fun at our regular themed community events.

Kaiapoi Farmers Market Morgan Williams Reserve, Charles St, Kaiapoi, Waimakariri Every Saturday 2018 9:00am – 12:30pm A regular farmers market which includes fresh local vegetables and fruit, free range eggs, vegetable plants, grasses, bedding plants, and crafts. The market runs rain or shine on Saturday mornings. At casual friendly market with knowledgeable stall holders. The Kaiapoi Farmers Market is a community-based not-for-profit market held throughout the year in scenic Kaiapoi, North Canterbury.

Blue Smoke, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch Sunday 9 September 2018 7:00pm – 10:00pm General Admission: $17.00 Don’t miss this opportunity to catch old time music at it’s finest, right here on the Blue Smoke stage. Jake Blount and Libby Weitnauer music are embarking on a tour of Australia and New Zealand to share the fiddle and banjo music of Black and Native American communities and explore their mutual fascination with rhythm and resonance. Jake Blount is a fiddler, banjo player and scholar based in Ithaca, New York. He has performed and recorded with acclaimed fiddler Tatiana Hargreaves and award-winning old-time string band The Moose Whisperers, in addition to having served as a guest lecturer at numerous museums and universities. In 2018, he opened a series of shows for Grammy-winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Rhiannon Giddens. He centres and venerates his racial and ethnic heritage through his approach to music and its history.

Pohatu Penguins, 8/2 Rue Balguerie, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch District Saturday 22 September 2018 1:30pm – 3:30pm 2 hour Nature tour: $65.00 Buy Tickets – 02124169556 To celebrate conservation week come with us on a 2 hour nature by 4WD mini vans to the spectacular, award-winning Wild Side Conservation area! Learn about the area’s rich history, native flora and fauna and Pohatu’s unique penguin conservation program. Our Nature Safari offer stunning views of Akaroa Harbour, the outer coast, farm land and forested hillsides.

The Johnnys (Australia) + Lindon Puffin

Blue Smoke, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch Thursday 27 September 2018 8:00pm Trailblazing Australian cowpunks The Johnnys will perform five New Zealand concerts in late September - their first tour here in three decades. - September 26: The Cook, Dunedin (with Bulletproof Convertible) - September 27: Blue Smoke, Christchurch (with Lindon Puffin)

Hansel and Gretel

Court Theatre, Bernard St, Addington, Christchurch Saturday 29 September 2018 11:00am – 12:00pm All Tickets: $10.00 Buy Tickets – 0800 333 100 or 03 963 0870 Hansel and Gretel have no food to eat. Their Dad has a new wife who seems obsessed with how plump they are. Time to head out into the woods with some breadcrumbs… See the story you know so well told in a way never seen before in this silent comedy adaptation of the fairy tale classic. Hansel and Gretel is running at The Court as part of New Zealand Theatre Month.

CultureFest 2018 Lincoln Event Centre, 15 Meijer Dr, Lincoln, Selwyn Sunday 30 September 2018 11:00am – 4:00pm Admission: Free CultureFest is back to celebrate Selwyn’s growing diversity! CultureFest 2018 will showcase everything great about our growing diversity, as well as our own NZ culture, through fantastic group performances on our main stage, arts, crafts, demonstrations, as well as activities and dances you can participate in.While you walk around the event site enjoying everything the makes Selwyn great, why not let your senses take control, with the wonderful smells of many culinary delights from around the world!

Ferrymead night market

The Christchurch Car Show Addington Raceway, 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch Sunday 9 September 2018 10:30am – 2:30pm 15 years old and under: $2.00 ($2.00 16 years old and over: $5.00 The Christchurch Car Show is a car show bringing together some of New Zealand’s best cars. The event will be held on the 9th of September at the Addington Raceway Carpark (75 Jack Hinton Dr, Addington, Christchurch 8024) from 10:30 AM to 14:30 PM. The event is supporting The Cancer Society, and a part of the profits will be donated to the charity.

Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch Saturday 6th October 4:00pm – 8:00pm Ticket Information: Gold Coin: $2.00 Take the night off cooking and come a get something delicious to eat at one of the food vendors. Craft stalls, bouncy castle - candy floss and sno cones, face painting and music. Have a Twilight ride on the Vulcan railcar or a ride on the tram - only $2 a ride. It will run from 4pm to 8pm - gold coin entry which will go towards infrastructure repairs.

Canterbury Tourist Times September 2018 — Page 7

Christchurch Dining & Cafe Guide Christchurch has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from whether its fine or casual dining.

“With old restaurants and cafes re-opening and new restaurants opening, Christchurch can once again offer locals and visitors extensive choice in dining options. Here are a some great options to choose from”

The Redwood

At Pizza at the Reddie we make delicious, handcrafted pizzas and an array of other tasty dishes in an inviting and friendly atmosphere.

Open for lunch or Dinner 7 days a week & Breakfast on the weekends

We offer a family friendly and welcoming place for the Christchurch community and visitors to Christchurch. We hope that people will socialise, have fun and celebrate in the restaurant, the bars and the Function Rooms. Set on spacious grounds in 6 acres of garden surroundings. Handy to golf courses, St Bede’s College and Sports Arena, Clearwater Resort, Woodford Glen, and Northlands Shopping Centre. A regular bus service stops outside The Redwood. Also onsite: Pizza at the Reddie, House bars, TAB, gaming area, a wholesale liquor outlet, and The Christchurch Function Centre.

PICCOLO RISTORANTE ITALIANO

340 Main North Road, Redwood, Christchurch phone 352 2559 pizzaatthereddie.co.nz

Nestled in the Christchurch suburb of Somerfield this Italian restaurant is well worth the visit if you are in the region. Great authentic food in a lovely relaxed atmosphere ,and with the red checkered table cloths you could just imagine yourself in a small Italian restaurant in Italy. Trip Advisor has some fantastic reviews from very happy customers, so make sure this is on your list. Open Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-9pm 8 Somerfield St, Somerfield, Christchurch Phone: (03) 337 9424

ACCOMMODATION

8 Somerfield Street, Christchurch

Ph: 337 9424

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North South Holiday Park Set in tree-lined grounds North South Holiday Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets. With just a 5 minute drive from the airport and all the major campervan rental depots it is your perfect choice. The park has a great range of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool for the summer season, a children’s playground, pedal bikes for hire, an extensive DVD collection for those colder days plus much more. The team have expert knowledge on local must do attractions and activities so you will feel right at home at North South Holiday Park.

Christchurch Top 10

530 Sawyers Arms Road, Christchurch Phone: +64 3 359 5993 Email: info@northsouth.co.nz www.northsouth.co.nz The Closest Holiday Park to Christchurch Airport!

Piccolo Ristorante Italiano

Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park is located in the north of Christchurch with convenient access to buses and the northern route out of the City, only 5 kms from the Square and 8kms to the airport. A full range of accommodation includes cabins, motels, self-contained units for couples, families and groups, tent and van sites. Facilities include Spa pools, indoor pool, games room gym and adventure playground, as well as email/wireless, jumping pillow, trampoline, 3 and 4 wheel bikes for hire. Phone 0800 396-323.

Open from 5pm

30/05/2012 3

Page 8 — Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018

TOP ATTRACTIONS

“Visit Supa Karts Indoor Go Karting Track for your daily adrenaline dose, and high octane fun” Open 12pm - 6pm Daily Open 12pm - 8pm Thursday and Fridays

Corner of Buchan & Byron Street, Sydenham, Christchurch PH (+64) 03 374 9425 Email: racing@supakarts.co.nz

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 'WILDLIFE KIND' Close encounters of the ‘wildlife kind’ are a Willowbank trademark. Meet New Zealand’s Big 5 with the Kiwi, the cheeky Kea, the ancient Tuatara, our bush parrot the Kaka and the very rare Takahe. Feed the wild eels and make friends with the livestock breeds unique to New Zealand. Listen to the kiwi as it forages by your feet. Embark on a journey through the history of New Zealand. See the impact of introduced species in ‘Wild NZ’ meet old livestock breeds in ‘Heritage NZ’. Experience native wildlife in ‘Natural NZ’ and share our hope for their future. Relax and enjoy your experience in conservation. Willowbank is a place close to both Christchurch city and the airport where culture and conservation combine. The Ko Tane Maori Culture Group perform within Willowbank and through them you will learn the relationship between Maori, culture, wildlife and conservation to give a real “Kiwi” experience.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch t. 64 3 3596226info@willowbank.co.nz www.willowbank.co.nz

OPEN DAILY 10.00am - 4.30pm Heathcote 50 Ferrymead Park Dr, h urc tch Chris Phone: (03) 384 1970 info@ferrymead.org.nz www.ferrymead.org.nz

errymead Park features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township, with exhibits such as houses, picture theatre, school classroom, church, jail, railway station, lodge hall, post office, printers, tobacconist, general store, lawyer’s office and more. There is also a large array of heritage museums and displays that are often open for viewing, particularly on Sundays. These museums are owned and operated by individual societies. Their own volunteer workers restore and display their collections, such as tractors, fire engines, aeroplanes, trams, trains, theatrical operations, mini rail, model trains, radios, photography and much more. Steam Sunday, (2nd Sunday of the Month) includes UNLIMITED Steam Train and Tram rides.

Entry Prices

All Other Days

Steam Sunday Train/Tram Days & Event Days*

Adults

$12.50

$17.50

Seniors or Student disc

$10.00

$15.00

Children

$7.50

$10.00

Under 5’s

FREE

Family Day Pass

$32.50

$47.50

(2 Adults & upto 3 Children)

Tram Tickets*Adult=$5 Child=$2.50 Family=$15 *Train Days pricing excludes Extravagana

*Steam Sunday prices includes unlimited train and tram rides

EXCITING ENCOUNTERS at ORANA WILDLIFE PARK Experience the ultimate animal adventure at Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park. See New Zealand’s only gorillas! Get up close and personal with a range of animals: hand feed giraffe, meet rhino ‘face-to-face’, observe kiwi – NZ’s national icon and travel through the Lion Habitat (costs and conditions apply). Scheduled feed presentations enable visitors to enjoy the antics of monkeys, meerkats, cheetah, Tasmanian devils, tigers and much more. Two walk-through native bird aviaries provide close encounters with kea and a wide range of New Zealand birds, visitors can pet friendly domestic animals in the farmyard and view a comprehensive collection of native reptiles including the pre-historic tuatara. It’s a full day of fun at Orana Wildlife Park. When you visit, you are directly supporting our conservation work with threatened native and exotic animal species.

For more information on these exciting encounters, visit www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz

NZ’S

793 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch (15 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport) Open daily 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm). Ph: 03 359 7109

Canterbury Tourist Times September 2018 — Page 9

HANMER SPRINGS

about hanmer springs

This alpine spa village is the ideal holiday destination especially for those wanting to avoid the Canterbury easterly winds. Nestled between rivers and mountains, Hanmer Springs has plenty on offer for those wanting to experience the outdoors, well away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hanmer Springs offers Freshwater fishing, Mountain biking, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, or a quiet game of golf. Free and at your door-step are over 50 kilometres of walking tracks, ranging from short half hour jaunts to half and full-day tramps. The great outdoors at Hanmer Springs has something for everyone, and for every budget!

Mountainbiking

Hanmer Springs is a great place for a bit of Mountain Biking with all abilities catered for. The trail network in Hanmer Springs comprises over 30 kilometres of purpose built cross country trails catering to all levels of ability, from easy and intermediate to advanced and expert. Each of the trails are fairly short but are are easily linked to provide numerous customised rides to suit your riding style and ability. All easy and intermediate trails are dual direction trails and add further variety to the circuits. Trail maps available from the Hanmer Springs i-site and are essential to get the most out of your ride. You can hire a bike as well from the Hanmer springs Adventure Centre, 20 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer Springs.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Come rain or shine, the hot pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa are always warm and crystal clear. A year-round destination, each season brings with it a new experience and plenty of choice for all. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is the ideal destination for the whole family. Just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, the hot pools have been a key South Island attraction for over 125 years. Those seeking a more relaxing time can take a dip in one of 12 hot pools, where the temperatures range from 33 to 42 degrees Celsius. The combination of geothermal water and fresh alpine air are great for soothing away aches and pains. Private pools, a sauna/steam room and a 25-metre freshwater heated pool, are also available. For ultimate indulgence visit the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, the perfect opportunity to unwind and be pampered at the Thermal Pools, Health, Body and Mind centre. A wide range of massage and beauty treatments are offered, including Swiss sports massage, mud treatments and body wraps.

What To Do Hanmer Springs Animal Park

Hanmer Springs Animal Park (formally Wai ariki Farm Park) is situated on 2 acres of park land with panoramic mountain views. Animals are displayed in a clean, tranquil environment where people can touch and hand feed the animals. The hands-on experience with the animals which will charm adults and children alike. Animals to see include Red/Wapiti deer, Nubian & Angora goats, emus, donkeys, various breeds of sheep, Tibetan yak, alpacas & llamas, rabbits, ducks, chooks and more!

For excitement and pure relaxation in an alpine atmosphere

St James Cycle Trail

Length: 64 – 90 km Time: 6 hours to 2 days Grade: sections of grade 3, 4, and 5

ALPINE GOLFING Games can be played all year round with spectacular scenery to enjoy: changing leaves in the autumn, colourful flowers in bloom in the spring, snow-capped mountains in the winter and sunny temperatures perfect for summer.

HELI-SIGHT SEEING TOURS

Hurunui i-SITE Visitor Centre

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with Hanmer Springs Helicopters- one of New Zealand’s leading tourist flight and commercial helicopter services company.

Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs For all your accommodation, activity and transport bookings Phone 03 315 0020 • 0800 442 663 • Fax 03 315 0021 OPEN DAILY FROM 10am www.visithurunui.co.nz

hanmerspringsattractions.nz

p +64 3 315 7046

0800 661 538 info@hanmerspringsattractions.nz

Open daily 9am to 5.30pm

Page 10 — Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018

Kaikoura Kaikoura /kaɪˈkɔrə/ (Māori: Te Ahi Kaikōura a Tama ki te Rangi) is a town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 1, 180 km north of Christchurch. The name Kaikoura means ‘meal of crayfish’ (kai - food/meal, kōura - crayfish) and the crayfish industry still plays a role in the economy of the region. However Kaikoura has now become a popular tourist destination, mainly for whale watching (the sperm whale watching is perhaps the best and most developed in the world) and swimming with or near dolphins. There is also a large and readily observed colony of southern fur seals at the eastern edge of the town. At low tide, better viewing of the seals can be had as the ocean gives way to a rocky base which is easily navigable by foot for quite some distance.

Whalewatch Kaikoura

Accommodation

Kaikoura has a wide range of accomodation from campgrounds and backpackers, hostels through to bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, self-contained units, lodges, motels and motels.

Dining

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

This a good walk for those who don’t have as much time. Observe seals and seabirds, explore historic pā and whaling sites and enjoy clifftop views of the sea and mountains. Suitable for families, the whole walkway takes around three hours but thers is a range of shorter tracks as well. It juts from the rugged east coast of the South Island, with a backdrop of steep mountains, snow-capped in winter. Wildlife includes whales, dolphins, seals, birds and crayfish. There are lots of information panels along the walkway explains the rich history, geology, animals and plants that make the area so great.

There are some restaurants and cafes in Kaikoura, check out the main street and you will something that suits, fish and chips in Kaikoura are always a winner.

Seal Colony

Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikoura. Towering snow-covered peaks fall to the ocean here, while just offshore a deep undersea canyon attracts an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale.

There is a Seal Colony just a few minutes’ drive from the Kaikoura town centre Park your car and view the seals in their natural habitat, with a backdrop of the Kaikoura mountains and coastline. The New Zealand Fur seal is a common sight around Kaikoura throughout the year a small breeding colony scattered along the peninsula coastline. The seal population is predominantly male. It’s advised for your own safety to refrain from disturbing the seals. 10 metres is the recommended distance near the car park and 20 metres along the rest of the coastline.

KIA ORA!

Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale.

C O M E V I S I T T H E LO CA L S AT O U R P L AC E

Designed especially for whale watching, our modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display our award-winning marine wildlife animations. Whale Watch is committed to providing a quality whale watching experience while carefully managing the use of a rare natural resource. As a Maori-owned company, Whale Watch cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world. It is a philosophy that embraces people, the land, the sea and all living things as one. Freephone 0800 655 121

www.whalewatch.co.nz

Kaikoura Kayaks

- your winter paddling destination Kayaking in winter is just as rewarding as summer as you get to paddle under the Seaward Kaikoura snow-capped mountains and enjoy the tranquility! Keep nice and cosy in your enclosed kayak as we provide GORE-TEX dry pants, paddle jackets, booties and gloves making your experience even more enjoyable and memorable. Explore the Kaikoura coastline in our fast and stable sea kayaks, keep an eye out for the Little Blue Penguin, Dusky Dolphins, the mighty Albatross and of course the NZ Fur Seal’s washing themselves, twirling around in the water and flocking on the rocks. No experience is required our professional guides will teach you everything you need to know. Why we love winter paddling....... Adventure: Winter is New Zealand’s fastest growing season for travelers to take their adventure trip of a lifetime, and the reasons why are simple. No crowds:Kayaking in the winter months often mean longer periods of fine calm weather and fewer people are out on the water – there’s nothing like the illusion of having a whole ocean to yourself. Stunning Scenery: Snow-capped mountains make an even more dramatic backdrop while paddling around the rugged Kaikoura Peninsula, it’s breath taking! Abundance of Marine life: Winter does not deter the marine life of Kaikoura, in fact the NZ Fur Seals are busier than ever, often seen eating Octopus and play fighting around the coastline. Keep an eye out for the Humpback Whales that migrate up the coastline annually between the months of May to August. Kaikoura Kayaks is the only kayaking operator in New Zealand with a Department of Conservation Permit to view Whales. We look forward to showing you Kaikoura’s winter wonderland - join us now for your 1/2 day Seal Kayaking winter adventure! Guided tours operate daily at 8:30am & 12:30pm.

“Quite Simply - the best kayaking tour in the country”

0800 452 456

www.kaikourakayaks.nz

19 Killarney Street, Kaikoura, New Zealand Freephone 0800 452 456 Phone International +64 21 462889

Email:paddle@kaikourakayaks.nz

Canterbury Tourist Times September 2018 — Page 11

Dolphin Encounter

Swimming with and watching Kaikoura’s Dusky Dolphins! Enter the world of the dusky dolphin and experience the grace and beauty of the most acrobatic and interactive of all dolphin species.

Albatross Encounter Kaikoura is regarded as the best place in the world to see seabirds. Get up close to albatross and many other pelagic (ocean going) species of bird found close to shore along the Kaikoura coast.

THESE WORLD-CLASS TOURS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND. BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE !

Sensational food, divine coffee at our Café on the beachfront. Quality jewellery, clothing, art and much more in our Gift Shop and Gallery! Free Wifi and plenty of parking.

96 Esplanade, Kaikoura Freephone 0800 733 365 www.encounterkaikoura.co.nz

Page 12 — Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018

Geraldine

Geraldine is a small picturesque town about 140km south of Christchurch. Originally called Talbot Forest, it was renamed Fitzgerald in 1857 after its first superintendent of Canterbury James Edward FitzGerald, and then changed to Geraldine which was the Fitzgeralds family name in Ireland. The scenery in this part of the country is outstanding and the laid back relaxed attitude of the locals give this town so much charm you won’t want to leave. The Rangitata, Orari and Waihi rivers all flow through the area and offer some great water sports that should not be missed, white water rafting, kayaking and canyoning are just a few. Or if you prefer to expolore on foot, Peel Forest, Pioneer Park and Talbot Forest have some lovely walks through native bush while listening to the local birdsong. This is place of something for everyone, so if museums are your thing, they have them too, just pop Into the local I-Site and they can point you in the right direction.

The Country Cafe

Open 7 days a week, you will find the Country Café in the Four Peaks Plaza on Talbot St. Good hearty country style food which has been sourced from the best local produce and wines in Geraldine. For those who are also gluten intolerant, no problem, they cater for that also. The coffee will not disappoint either, it is roasted on site every 3 days for maximum freshness! It has a relaxed environment suitable for the whole family or just with friends. This is a great spot to stop off while visiting or just passing through.

THE

COU

Peel Forest and Scenic Reserve

Peel Forest has a variety of walks available, which range from easy to advanced and duration from 1 hour return to up to 7 hours return. The flora and fauna are abundant in this reserve, the three largest trees in Peel Forest belong to the family Podocarpaceae, a very ancient family going back more than 100 million years. Peel Forest is accessed from Rangitata Gorge Road and from Blandstone Rd. Always check the weather before you go as the climate of the highcountry areas of Peel Forest is quite different to that of the lowlands. More information can be found on the Department of Conservation website.

Kakahu Lime Kiln

N T RY

the hilltop by tramline to the Kiln, where it was put between layers of wood and burned. It was then used for buildings and agriculture. You can drive right to the Kiln as it is situated on the side of the road, plus it is the starting point to a great walk to the Pinnacle Rock.

CAFE

Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum Located in the Canterbury town of Geraldine the Vintage Great food & coffee 76F Talbot Street Geraldine Phone 03 693 8090 @thecountrycafegeraldine

Geraldine Farmers Market St Mary’s Church, 63 Talbot St, Geraldine, South Canterbury Saturday’s 9:00am – 1:00pm Geraldine farmers market hold at St Mary’s Church From October through to April, Saturday Mornings 9am to 1pm. Come have a cuppa and cake, listen to local buskers or get your Veggie and Fruit in season, browse the other stalls... enjoy the atmosphere.

The Alpaca Centre

Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve

Talbot Forest has some great short walks suitable for families. It is a 5 minute walk from the center of Geraldine and it offers four easy, shady walks of around 5-10 minutes each. Picnic facilities and toilets are also available. The Totara Track connects with the Tripp Street picnic area and next to the track stands the largest Totara Tree in the reserve estimated at around 800 years old. Other tracks to consider are Kahikatea Track, Reservoir Track and Matai Track.

The Alpaca Centre offers and extensive range of high quality Alpaca, Possum and Merino wool garments and products, as well as a large range of beautiful gifts and souvenirs. The perfect place to find that special gift for yourself or someone else. It is located in the heart of Geraldine in the Four Peaks Plaza on Talbot St. If you want to check out this store before you get to Geraldine you will find them on Facebook and they also have a website you can browse their finery and even purchase if you desire.

76D Talbot Street, Geraldine (next door to the Barkers Shop) Ph: (03) 693 7363 0800 425722 email:shop@alpacacentre.co

Car & Machinery Museum displays over 2000 exhibits which include vintage cars, tractors and farm machinery, one being a 1929 Spartan Biplane. Some of these exhibits cannot be viewed anywhere else in the world so are very unique to the museum. This museum is the finest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere and well worth the visit. You will find it at 178 Talbot St in Geraldine and it is open 9.30 – 4.00pm daily. Admission charges apply, children are free.

GERALDINE

Vintage Car and Machinery Museum

One of the finest collections of Vintage and Veteran Cars, Tractors and Machinery in the Southern Hemisphere Open 9:30 - 4:00pm daily

Admission charges apply - Children FREE 178 Talbot Street, Geraldine Ph: 03 693 8756 Find us on Facebook

• • • •

Alpaca Products Merino & Possum Merino Products Hand Crafted NZ Made Giftware Skincare & Manuka Honey Geraldine Alpaca Centre

Canterbury Tourist Times September 2018 — Page 13

Lake tekapo / Mt Cook Lake Tekapo Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau). It covers an area of 83 square kilometres (32 sq mi), and is at an altitude of 700 metres (2,300 ft) above sea level. The lake is fed at its northern end by the braided Godley River, which has its source in the Southern Alps to the north. The lake is a popular tourist destination, and several resort hotels are located at the township of Lake Tekapo at the lake’s southern end. The Lake Tekapo Regional Park, administered by Environment Canterbury, is located on the southern shore of the lake.

Explore the wonders of the southern sky with

EARTH and SKY

at Mt John Observatory - high above the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo

New Zealand’s highest peak was named Mt Cook (after the British explorer Captain James Cook) by Captain Stokes of the survey ship HMS Acheron. It is called Aoraki (or Aorangi, ao meaning land, rangi meaning sky or heavens) by the Maori.

Enjoy lunch with an unparalleled view of Alpine lakes and mountains at the summit of Mt John, at the Astro Cafe

p: 03 680 6960 info@earthandsky.co.nz www.earthandsky.co.nz

Keep your eye on the sky

Explore the wonders of the Southern Sky at the Mt John Observatory high above the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo. BY DAY – Drive/hike to the summit of Mt John for amazing views. Enjoy a great coffee and lunch at the Astro Cafe. Take a day tour of the Observatory, visit New Zealand’s largest telescope the 1.8m MOA, use a solar scope and learn about the Mackenzie Country environment. BY NIGHT – Take the family on a Twilight/ Dusk tour for an educational visit to a working observatory with stargazing as weather permits. Mt John tours, let trained astronomy guides give you an insight to the functions of the observatory, stargaze using powerful telescopes as skies permit. Cowan’s Hill tours, at a private observatory in a sheltered and dark sky area close to Lake Tekapo, shortened tour at reduced price viewing the same stars. Earth and Sky, P O Box 112, Lake Tekapo. Phone: 03 680 6960.Fax: 03 680 6950. Email: info@earthandsky.co.nz. Website: www.earthandsky.co.nz.

apo

Burkes Pass

Burkes Pass is a mountain pass and small town on State Highway 8 at the entrance to the Mackenzie Country in South Canterbury, New Zealand. Located on one of the main tourist routes between Christchurch, Queenstown and Te Anau it’s an ideal halfway stop.

Burkes Pass is named after Michael John Burke, a graduate of Dublin University, who discovered the passageway leading into the Mackenzie Country in 1855. This was an alternative route to the Mackenzie Pass which the notorious sheep stealer, James Mackenzie, had used to take his sheep into the Otago goldfields.

A dray track was cut through Burkes Pass in 1857-58. Settlers and bullock teams soon found The Long Cutting was the easier of the two passageways to negotiate, becoming the main thoroughfare for travellers in to the Mackenzie, a vast land known by Maori for its plentiful supply of wekas on the plains and eels in the streams and lakes. With travel slow and arduous, the need for a resting place for weary travellers soon became evident. A town, first known as Cabbage Tree Creek, then Clulee, and finally Burkes Pass, sprang up around the hotel that was built in . For more than half a century a colourful cavalcade passed through the town, Burkes Pass becoming the social, business, and sporting centre for the Mackenzie Country pioneers. Its heyday was 1890 to 1910 when there was a population of 143 and a three-teacher school. Now Burkes Pass is home to two restored cob cottages and still standing is St. Patrick’s Church, built in 1871.

Aoraki Mount Cook

New Zealand has long since been famous for it mountain peaks and for the men and women who climb them. The most well known of which being New Zealander Sir Edmund Hilary, the first person to successfully conquer the world highest peak Mount Everest. There could be no peak more inspiring for climbers than New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, at 3754 meters, it is dazzling, yet it is only one of the 27 mountains in this alpine backbone which peak that together create the famous Southern Alps.

Church of the good Shepard, Tek

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park was formally established 1953 from reserves that were established as early as 1887 to protect the area’s significant vegetation and landscape. Today the park is recognised as one of the finest mountaineering areas in the world, for both experienced and novice climbers.

The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is 70,696 hectares with glaciers cover 40% of it’s area. With climbing, hiking, kayaking and skiing options available within the park you will find an activity that will suit your fitness and expectations.

Aoraki Mount Cook village lies deep within the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and is surrounded by the silent splendour of the Southern Alps. You can enjoy; 4WD safaris, boating on the glacier lakes, horse treks, fishing, scenic flights with snow landings and numerous walks and hikes. There is also a range of accommodation options from backpacker to hotel in the village.

On your South Island adventure Aoraki Mount Cook is a MUST SEE destination.

Omarama

Omarama is a small rural town in the Mackenzie Country at the head of the Waitaki Valley, 30 kilometres south of Twizel and 100 kilometres south of Mount Cook, an ideal place to stop on your journey between Queenstown/Wanaka and Christchurch.

Omarama is Maori for “Place of Light”, it is a world famous gliding location where you can take scenic glider or bi-plane flights into the Southern Alps, have a high country farm experience, soak in the view and unwind in the fresh mountain water in the Hot Tubs or enjoy tasty fresh food and great coffee. Omarama is a must stop on your southern journey.

Page 14 — Canterbury Tourist Times, September 2018

Akaroa

about akaroa

A picturesque 90 minute drive from Christchurch lies Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village cradled in the arms of an ancient volcano. Take in sweeping harbour views and see the outer bays from a hilltop vantage point. In the village itself, spend a leisurely day exploring boutique shops, an antique museum, galleries and gourmet eateries, or swim with the rare Hector’s dolphin. There is plenty of accommodation available in the hotels/motels, backpackers & B&B’s and an extensive range of these can be found on www.akaroa.com. The road to Akaroa is open and clear and transport is flowing. Akaroa is open and ready to welcome visitors.

STATE HIGHWAY 75 TO CHRISTCHURCH

The population early last century numbered in the thousands, with people mainly employed in timber milling and farming. A major local industry was the harvesting and threshing of cocksfoot. Today the population of the area is approximately 1000 people, with many moving into the area for the rural country lifestyle.

DALYS WHARF

INFORMATION CENTRE

Places to eat

BEACH ROAD

Little River, approximately 45 minutes drive from Christchurch on Banks Peninsula, is on State Highway 75 to Akaroa, a major South Island tourist destination. Little River is a great place to visit for walks and mountain biking, and is a busy stop over with its Cafe, Art Gallery, Craft Station and Museum. The Christchurch-Little River Rail Trail, a very popular cycling and walking track that opened in 2006, largely follows the course of the old Little River Branch Railway. At Little River Campground/Manaia Native Habitat in Okuti Valley you can experience walks through native bush, native birds and the scary slippery mudslides. The beach at Birdlings Flat with its Gemstone and Fossil Museum is a worthwhile stop for fishing and fossicking.

FRENCH BAY

RUE LAVAUD

little river

Akaroa, with it’s own beautiful bays and harbour, French and English history has an enormous range of activities to keep you busy for days. In Flea bay you will find the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Akaroa waters are home to the rarest and smallest marine dolphin and all around you will find fantastic sea kayaking in spectacular surroundings. There are cruises, sail boats, cycle tours, mail runs, and an excellent range of walking tracks. Don’t miss seeing the Hector’s dolphins and other special wildlife on a harbour cruise. Akaroa is rich in Arts and Crafts which starts with a must see visit to the ‘Little River Art Gallery’ as you drive through Little River, with many unique crafts shops in Akaroa. You will love the shopping in Akaroa where you can walk from one end to the other in 15 minutes, with some exquisite local boutiques. There is so much to see and do in Akaroa that you will need more than a day trip! Visit www.akaroa.com for everything you need to know.

RUE JOLIE

what to do

Akaroa Fish & Chips

Excellent Fish and chips, and in a great location Open daily 11.00am until 8.30pm approx 59 Beach Road, Akaroa

Bully Hayes

Open daily for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner, great food with an excellent view of Akaroa Harbour. 57 Beach Road, Akaroa

The Little Bistro

The Little Bistro serves hearty, locally sourced, seasonal meals in a fantastic atmosphere. With a view over the green to the sea and hills of Akaroa 33 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

L’Escargot Rouge-Deli to Go

Open every day from 8.00am on Beach Road on the main waterfront. They French style Breakfast with a large selection of sweet and savoury items to suit all tastes, Great coffee, juices and wine to takeaway. We have “Le Parisien” Breakfasts, Baguettes, Croissants, Pain au Chocolat 67 Beach road

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AKAROA