Christchurch - New Zealand

When we arrived in Christchurch we were greeted by Charlotte our next house sit who was very kind and friendly on first meet. The airport was smaller than I thought but modern. When we arrived at their house we had a lovely meal prepared for us and a very excited dog Denver.

After the 2011 earthquake which shook Christchurch it was left with widespread damage and weakened infrastructure on  a lot of the buildings. Most of the are not repaired buildings throughout Christchurch are held up with shipping crates, which was a shock to me at how much repair still needed to be done. After speaking to Charlotte and Pete who were part of the rebuild projects, we found out that there was controversy over whether to pull the buildings down and rebuild or to try and preserve the buildings architecture. Looking at how much still needed to be done and the safety of the buildings I would say pull them down and start again.

When we took Denver for walks we went up to Victoria Park via Dyers Pass which over looked Christchurch. The views were amazing from up here very hilly green grass, a wooded area and a large open dog park. There are also bike paths to take but you have to very adventurous as these are steep and hilly.







The City Center was about 30 mins walk from the house and the area was very industrialised, lots of old shipping containers, warehouses and of course fast food restaurants. They city centre itself was nice, the smallest city I've been to I think but lots of things to look at. A tram line through the centre of a small mall and colourful buildings. The earthquake damaged the shopping area and mall so they have used shipping containers as temporary shops, these are more boutique shops but there are malls about 15 minute drive from the centre.

Attractions in and around Christchurch.

• Waimak Horse Trek: I have ridden horses for most of my life but Lee has not so I wanted to organsie a trek and this company sounded great with lake treks but unfortunately most horse treks have weight limits of 110kg and when your 6 foot 2 its hard to find a horse big enough for you. Most of the horses at this company are 15 hands or smaller. The price I felt was reasonable at $60 New Zealand Dollars (today's exchange rate £28) for 1 hour.

• Cave stream: This reserve is a 362 meter long pitch black cave which ends in a deep pool and waterfall and  which has 2 different entrances to walk along. You do need to check the weather before going as the water levels rise within the cave but it is free and lovely for picnic and walking at any level.

• Christchurch Tram: The tram takes you around the city and shows you the history of Christchurch. There are different price options to choose from, just the tour of the city, botanic gardens tour or even an evening meal tour.

• Hanmer Springs:  These are natural thermal pools with water jets, rock pools and waterfalls. It is about 90 minutes from Christchurch and cost $22 (today's exchange rate £10.40) but you can upgrade to a  private thermal pool for $40  (today's exchange rate £19) each. I would recommend looking this place up before you go as when I read reviews it didn't sound very good, was more like a water park and the a lot of the reviews now say the pools smell of chlorine and not natural. After reading the reviews we decided not to go as wasn't worth the drive there to be disappointed. 

 

• Akaroa french town: This is a 2 hour drive from Christchurch and most definitely worth the trip. When your driving up and up the hills nothing prepares you for the views from the top over looking the town with crystal blue waters. The town itself is small but easy to walk around and plenty of lovely places to stop and eat. We went on a hot day and sat in the park and people watched, very relaxing. 

• Adrenalin Forest: Among natural surroundings you will find 6 different levels of tree top challenges and 3 hours to complete the course, although I don't think you will manage it unless you do adrenalin courses everyday. We managed 4 levels but the higher you get the harder it is. You definitely have to have some fitness before attempting this. the 3 hours you there costs $42  (today's exchange rate £20) each. A very fun, tiring day.  

• Mini golf: Within the city there are 2 mini golf courses,Monsters & Zombies and Pirates Island although I think the Pirates Island is closing down. The monsters and zombies mini golf cost $13  (today's exchange rate £6.15) each one round indoor and outdoor.

 

 

• Waimairi Beach: A dog friendly beach to the east of Christchurch. Lovely white sand and the best bit is... it isn't over crowded even on school holidays.

 

• Botanic Gardens - In the centre of Christchurch there are lovely gardens to take a picnic and relax under the trees. Plenty to see whether your interested in gardens or not.

Our stay in Christchurch was great and the house sitting made it so much better. Sad to say goodbye but there are more exciting things ahead. Join me next time in North land New Zealand - Opononi.

Sydney - Australia

Welcome to Sydney.

This was to be our third house sit, which was situated on the suburbs or Sydney, Picnic Point. From the International arrivals we got our bags and headed for the T2 Airport line to East Hills. (When booking your tickets ask when the next train will be as we waited 30 minutes to find we had to get 2 different trains as the direct train was going to be another 60 minutes). The trains are really easy to navigate and cost only $4.20 (today's exchange rate £2.50). Some of the trains are double
decker's which I have never seen before so the kid within me had to sit on the top deck. It took around an hour to get to East Hills traveling through suburban Sydney which like anywhere is a little run down and lots of graffiti.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the home owner and taken for a quick tour of the area, everything you needed with a 10 minute drive. The house was private and overlooked Georges river, but the best part of house sitting are of course the pets and we had a very playful, lovely nature doberman to look after called EJ. Contrary to peoples beliefs this doberman was the sweetest scaredy cat you could meet. Never left our side and had constant affection to give, and don't forget receive. We only had 6 days with him but I think it was safe to say he was taken by us as we were with him.




The area of Picnic Point is lovely to walk around especially along the George River. Being this far from the city there wasn't many attractions so we hoped back on the train and headed to the city. Again the trains are very easy to understand and the journey took about an hour and cost $10.80 each return. (today's exchange rate £6). The main station to get off is Circular Quay as this stops in the middle of the Harbour Bridge and The Opera House. The city is very walk friendly and takes about 30 minutes to walk from the main shopping street (Pitt Lane) to Darling Harbour or to the Opera House.

Attractions in Sydney:

• The world Famous - Sydney Harbour Bridge - The worlds largest steel arch bridge began construction in 1924 and took 8 years to complete. The Tyne Bridge in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England is a smaller version to the Sydney bridge, and this is where 79% of steel work came from. On this trip to Sydney we never went up the bridge, we walked along the path on the same level of as the cars. There are sign post everywhere directing you to the walk way which takes you to the northern suburbs of Sydney. There wasn't many people up here and great views of the Opera House and to the sea mouth. If you were interested in the Bridge Climb it is good fun and nerve racking as there are lots of steps, narrow metal ladders and you climb between the lanes of traffic. You are harnessed in and have a guide with you telling the history of the bridge. The climb costs $228 weeks day (today's exchange rate £125 each) and takes 3.5 hours. The only downside to the climb is you can not take a camera up with you so you cant capture the views from the top, which is why I think walking the path at a lower level is a better choice because you can take as many pictures as you wish and the views are still great. 

• Another world famous - The Opera House - It has earned its reputation as a world class performing arts centre and holds all kind of events throughout the year. There are lots of different tours offered, from looking around inside, eating at the restaurant or going backstage but the beauty is the outside and its free. Have your picture taken on the steps of the Opera House or walk around the building.

• Royal Botanic Gardens - Access can be found just past the Opera House and free guided tours run everyday 10.30am and 1pm. You can just walk the gardens yourself for free too.  

 

• Darling Harbour - A lovely harbour with lots of street entertainment, not far from the Harbour Bridge. Every type of restaurant can be found along the harbor so never short on choices and you can also find the Sea Life centre here.

• Bondi Beach - The beach is on the eastern suburbs of Sydney and has become world famous. I was actually surprised how small the beach was, I mean its big but because you hear about it all the time i was expecting a massive beach. There are nice places to eat along the sea front, but it does get very busy at the beach so if your not a strong swimmer stick to the shallows and always swim between the flags.

• The Rocks - Lots to see and do around here from looking at the shops all ranging in price to finding a bargain on the markets. Take a look round the museum or relax in one of the bars on the cobbled streets.

• Taronga Zoo - Located in the northern suburbs this zoo was opened in 1916. It houses every animal you can think of in a zoo and entry costs $46 (today's exchange rate £25). You can get a ferry across to the zoo from outside Circular Quay train station.

• Sydney Tower - The tower can bee seen anywhere in the city and boasts a 365 degree revolving restaurant at the top. I went up the tower in 2007 and was disappointed because all the windows were dirty, and if the only thing your offering is the view you want a clear look at it. For the more adventurous travelers you can walk the sky-walk and observation deck for $70 (today's exchange rate £40)

• Ferries - There are numerous ferries found at Circular Quay train station depending what you want to do and bookings can be made direct with the company.

After our 6 days were up we booked flights back to Phuket to keep within the rules of our visa. We went all the way back to Phuket because it was cheap and we hadn't planned our next move as yet.

So join me next time when we are back in Patong - Phuket.