A Relaxing Day in Christchurch...

Christchurch, New Zealand

May 24, 2007

S 43°31.827
E 172°37.268

The neon red glow from the “Coachmen Backpacker’s” sign outside our bedroom window kept me restless all night, reminding us of Kramer’s favorite… Roger’s Roaster Chicken. I was happy we explored the majority of the city yesterday; allowing us an open day today. After wandering around for awhile we jumped back on the trolley and hopped off near Victoria Street, an area we didn’t see yesterday.

Victoria Street is supposed to have a bunch of cool boutique shops and restaurants. We found the restaurants, but didn’t find any of the cute little shops—not that we’re in the market for any cute little knick-knacks. Oh well, the walk allowed us to see another part of Christchurch we probably wouldn’t have seen.

After circling back on Victoria Street we walked through the giant Hagley Park. The park is rumored to be the largest in New Zealand. It has several soccer fields, even more rugby fields and a golf course. We zigzagged our way through the park, taking time to sit on a bench, admire hundreds of ducks floating on a pond, and excited dogs storming along the shoreline putting the fear of god into the ducks.

For lunch we hesitantly decided to try a little Mexican restaurant called The Burrito Company. We haven’t had a burrito or taco since leaving San Francisco, something we definitely miss. The review in the front window claimed the burritos were as good as, or better, than in the Southwestern parts of the USA… a bold statement. It was probably the best burrito we’ve had outside of the States, but it was a far cry from a “real” burrito from California or the Southwestern States!

Our time in New Zealand is coming to a close and we are preparing to leave for Australia on Saturday. With that being said, we’re currently working on the New Zealand Wrap-Up which should be published shortly after we leave New Zealand. Keep checking the blog!