We visited quite a number of cities in South Island (New Zealand), I would say about 10 cities. We covered all of them in 7 days. Each city is unique & memorable in its own way. I will gradually post infos on each city (things to do, what to see/ eat, market), stay tune =)
CHRISTCHURCH
- Christchurch Cathedral - charming ... pity it is a little ruined by the earthquake during Christmas 2010.
- Christchurch Tram - great way to go around town $17 all day pass
- Christchurch Free loop city bus - FREE, bus runs every 15-20 minutes
- Art Centre Market - Small market located next to a mini shopping - jewellery, food, art & craft
- Riccarton Market - 2nd hand market, fresh produce, food
- Kathmandu warehouse - Best value Kathmandu ever, sorry Sydney...they are cheaper - located on 124 Riccarton Road, Christchurch
- Toi Toi - unique jewellery, gifts, arts & homewares 271 High Street, Christchurch
- Kilt - NZ made clothing & accesories store
- Teasme - Bubble tea shop
- Mrs Higgin Cookies - NZ freshly baked cookie shop
- Strawberry Fare - Dessert galore
- Thai Smile - Thai restaurant certified by Thai PM, authentic & great quality, slightly on the pricey side though as I am comparing it with Sydney
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| Christchurch Cathedral - they are still renovating the sides of the church, hopefully no more earth quakes !! |
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| Christchurch Tramways |
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| Art Centre Market - Scallop Roll is a must have + Grand Marnier Crepe (single crepe drizzled with grand marnier & dusted with icing sugar) |
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| Riccarton Market - Potato Pancake lady |
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| Riccarton Market - combination potato pancake, crispy pancake with lettuce, tomato, mushroom, meat, sauerkraut (onion) on the top, generous portion. The sauerkraut gives a little kick of tangyness to the whole package. |
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| Riccarton Market - Whitebait patties |
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| Riccarton Market - Whitebait patties, ie. whitebait omelette, served with white bread, simple & tasty. |
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| Riccarton Market - Mini donuts - seems to be really popular with the locals, pity we didn't have extra capacity to store the donuts |
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| TOI TOI - my fave shop, I was there for almost 1 hour, every item is unique & adorable, they have great jewellery & homewares items |
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| TEASME - specialty tea shop, bubble tea, teapots, and water bottle with plunger all sold here. I found teasme by accident, I was walking around Christchurch mid town & was badly craving for bubble tea on that day ... and whoooaalaa teasme was in front of me. |
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| Mrs Higgins Cookies - I must say they are better than Mrs Fields !! I tried White chocolate macadamia & chunky chocolate chips...heaven !! they are not overly sweet which is a plus !! Must buy .... |
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| Strawberry Fare - Chef Tasting Plate (creme brulee, chocolate mousse, home made ice cream). The best part is the cat tongue's biscuit & the super smooth ice cream. |
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| Strawberry Fare - Californian Sunshine - orange & almond cake with citrus sorbet. |
HANMER SPRING
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| Springs Deli Cafe - do you want to try Heartstopper? |
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| Springs Deli Cafe - Open Chicken Sandwich, the ultimate chicken sandwich with the lots, suppa avocado dressing !! |
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| Bicycle rental @ Hanmer Springs |
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| Foggy Hanmer Springs |
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| Lolly Pots the lolly store - I recommend sour watermelon lolly - watermelon shaped lolly covered in sugar |
PLEASANT POINT/ TIMARU
Timaru is around 2-2.5hr drive from Christchurch & Pleasant Point is 15 minutes drive from Timaru.
If you are looking for a little quiet rest & relax spot, Pleasant Point is definitely the perfect place. We stayed at a great Bed & Breakfast place in Pleasant Point & very happy with the whole thing.
Farmstay, bed & breakfast, olive oil producer & great host.
They cooked wonderful breakfast too. For my review in tripadvisor.com, please click this link:
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Longview Bed & Breakfast - View from the room is breathtaking, fresh air & very green when you wake up in the morning
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Please check out my other posts on New Zealand ... =)
New Zealand (South Island) trip - Part 2:
Only in New Zealand:
http://gourmetorange.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/only-in-new-zealand.html
