Our adventure to New Zealand began very smoothly and the only major takeaways that we had were that 1) 13 hours is a very long flight no matter which way you look at it, 2) There is an intense obsession with Dunkin Donuts at the Auckland airport, and 3) The mullet is an accepted and somewhat common hairstyle over here.
Upon arriving in Christchurch, NZ at about 1:20 in the afternoon, we proceeded to grab all of the luggage (“Woohooo!!! All the bags made it!), get the rental car, check in at the cottage that we were renting in town, unload the car, and still make it to a local arts market in town by 2:30.
After shopping with the locals for a while, we caught up with our friends Damon & Arna who live on Cass Bay which is about 30 minutes from Christchurch proper. They have an absolutely stunning view from their waterfront home. We began the evening by breaking out some of New Zealand and Australia’s delightful wines. Arna then proceeded to show off some of her phenomenal culinary skills. It started with some great appetizers to accompany the wine and then came the main attraction. Arna then served up some of New Zealand’s finest lamb (which they are famous for) with a lobster salad and NZ sweet potatoes on the side. It was a truly wonderful evening that finished with a bit more wine and good conversation.
Day 2 in Christchurch was all about seeing the sights and Damon & Arna took us around to some of their favorite views along the coast and surrounding mountainside. We also got to see their bach (pronounced “batch”) which is a term used for a vacation home by the Kiwis. That afternoon we shared a Thai meal with some of their friends (Steve, Pam, and
Ken…you’ll need to remember a couple of these characters for later) that would be joining us the next day at the New Zealand Cup horse races. After going our separate ways, we traveled to the botanical gardens which are said to be the best in the southern hemisphere and are part of the world’s 3rd largest public park. The botanical views were amazing and to our delight there was also an abundance of ducks. Innocent ducks that had no idea that Nicolle was on the prowl and looking to give chase (you’ll have to ask her yourself if you have any questions and yes, we have photos…). The day finished with some creamy hot chocolate and nighttime sightseeing through Cathedral Square in downtown Christchurch. 
Upon arriving in Christchurch, NZ at about 1:20 in the afternoon, we proceeded to grab all of the luggage (“Woohooo!!! All the bags made it!), get the rental car, check in at the cottage that we were renting in town, unload the car, and still make it to a local arts market in town by 2:30.
After shopping with the locals for a while, we caught up with our friends Damon & Arna who live on Cass Bay which is about 30 minutes from Christchurch proper. They have an absolutely stunning view from their waterfront home. We began the evening by breaking out some of New Zealand and Australia’s delightful wines. Arna then proceeded to show off some of her phenomenal culinary skills. It started with some great appetizers to accompany the wine and then came the main attraction. Arna then served up some of New Zealand’s finest lamb (which they are famous for) with a lobster salad and NZ sweet potatoes on the side. It was a truly wonderful evening that finished with a bit more wine and good conversation.
Day 2 in Christchurch was all about seeing the sights and Damon & Arna took us around to some of their favorite views along the coast and surrounding mountainside. We also got to see their bach (pronounced “batch”) which is a term used for a vacation home by the Kiwis. That afternoon we shared a Thai meal with some of their friends (Steve, Pam, and
Ken…you’ll need to remember a couple of these characters for later) that would be joining us the next day at the New Zealand Cup horse races. After going our separate ways, we traveled to the botanical gardens which are said to be the best in the southern hemisphere and are part of the world’s 3rd largest public park. The botanical views were amazing and to our delight there was also an abundance of ducks. Innocent ducks that had no idea that Nicolle was on the prowl and looking to give chase (you’ll have to ask her yourself if you have any questions and yes, we have photos…). The day finished with some creamy hot chocolate and nighttime sightseeing through Cathedral Square in downtown Christchurch. 
Our 3rd day in Christchurch 
started with more sightseeing as we took an amazing drive along the summit road which runs along the top of a mountain range that separates Christchurch from Lyttleton Harbour. From here we headed back to town to hit a couple more attractions. One of our favorites was “Punting on the Avon”, which in plain terms is riding on a flat bottom boat on the scenic Avon river which runs through the heart of Christchurch. After a riverside lunch at a small café, it was off to the races to take in one of New Zealand’s biggest sporting events.
started with more sightseeing as we took an amazing drive along the summit road which runs along the top of a mountain range that separates Christchurch from Lyttleton Harbour. From here we headed back to town to hit a couple more attractions. One of our favorites was “Punting on the Avon”, which in plain terms is riding on a flat bottom boat on the scenic Avon river which runs through the heart of Christchurch. After a riverside lunch at a small café, it was off to the races to take in one of New Zealand’s biggest sporting events. 
Upon arrival at the Addington Raceway, we located our friends taking in a little tailgating before entering the track. This definitely wasn’t your average trip down to Lone Star Park to take in some racing on the weekend. This was more like the Kentucky Derby atmosphere, complete with men dressed to the nines and women in
formal dresses and hats, and there were even a few costumes. Now, to bring this experience together, we have to let you know that the group that we went with looked prepared for a Jimmy Buffett concert and garnished quite a bit of local media attention for their efforts. After countless glasses of champagne and strawberries, we completed the experience with a trip down to one of Christchurch’s pubs. Damon & Arna – Thanks for taking the time to show us the locals perspective of Christchurch.
formal dresses and hats, and there were even a few costumes. Now, to bring this experience together, we have to let you know that the group that we went with looked prepared for a Jimmy Buffett concert and garnished quite a bit of local media attention for their efforts. After countless glasses of champagne and strawberries, we completed the experience with a trip down to one of Christchurch’s pubs. Damon & Arna – Thanks for taking the time to show us the locals perspective of Christchurch.We’re obviously still a couple of days behind on the storyline, but feel free to enjoy some of these photos as teasers to get you ready for trials and tribulations of our journey.
Looks gorgeous! Have a happy birthday!
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