New Zealand 2017 Day 11: Christchurch

Omg. I can't believe I let this happen...I'm so organized and had created a workbook with different spreadsheets for a calendar, budget planning, detailed daily itineraries. And yet when I attempted to check in to my flight this morning (24 hrs before 6:15am flight), I was completely surprised when I did a quadruple take of the flight date.  It was actually Tuesday at 6:15am. Not Monday. I was so embarrassed.  And immediately felt regret for not seeing that long ago, in which case I could have spent another day in Mt Cook or Wanaka.  But of course I should not be complaining...this is really a bonus day and means I can explore more!

The stressful morning then began. Quickly called Omega Car Rental to extend the reservation for one day.  Doesn't look like there were any additional fees for booking last minute.  Then, I checked with the YMCA reception and, crossing my fingers that they would have availability for one more night. They weren't able to offer me my upgraded room for my discounted rate (didn't expect they would), but I was able to book the room that I originally intended to get.  Yes I will have to check out and then switch rooms, but it's only a few minutes to repack and go to reception.  Phew.

After all was sorted out logistically, everything should have been taken care of.  But yet the entire morning I couldn't shake the feeling of me forgetting or messing something up again. I was weirdly queasy because of it.  So strange.

My original plan was to stroll the Botanical Gardens across the street around 8am, but this plan was shot as I frantically planned in the morning.  A little after 8:30am, I headed to the iSite a block away. There have been iSites at every city I've visited, really useful.  I wish we had such a system.

iSite (new location since the EQ)

Because they had just opened, I was one of the first people in there, which was really nice because I had a lot of attention and my questions were answered.  During the beginning stages of my trip planning, I had come and cross swimming with dolphins around Christchurch, but didn't end up booking it because I thought it was too much to pack in.  Well, one extra day now.  I was debating between a large company, Black Cat cruises, and a small one called ecoSEAker. Thinking about my inevitable seasickness, I thought the larger boat would be more stable. The guide who helped me was able to quickly call them and get information (a really nice benefit of just going to an iSite).  Turns out they only had 8:30am openings for tomorrow, and Akaroa is 90 minutes away. No thank you for starting the drive at 6:45am.  I think it turned out for the best though, as she then asked ecoSEAker and they had a couple 10:30am spots left. They only take 12 people max, so it'll be more intimate.  Hopefully we will be successful with our Hector dolphin journey!

Across the street from the hotel is the Canterbury Museum. It had great reviews, and was free admission. Why can't all museums be like this? I remember the London museums were free too.  So I started my museum-going around 9:15am. They had just opened. Overall, a really great decision to go here!

Informative and interesting Canterbury Museum.  Free admission.

One of the first exhibits was about Maori culture and the early Polynesian settlers.  I especially liked learning about the the relationship between the tribes and the Moa bird, a large, extinct, flightless native bird.  Because they were not used to humans, they did not have the instincts to run from them..so they were easy prey for the Maori people.  It was particularly sad seeing photographs of the butchering sites, where a lot of bones and extra bird were wasted.  The Maori did not utilize all of the bird because there was such an abundance of them. Until there weren't. And they were hunted to extinction. So sad.

After this section was an exhibit on the settlers before the Maori people, known as the Moriori people.  They used to be prejudiced against and really judged unfairly.  Old photos were displayed, and it was really sobering reading the caption of "the last man of his race".

There was a special exhibit, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Air New Zealand. I really enjoyed this one. It is clear they are a vibrant and quick-to-evolve company. You can see it even in the evolution of their stewardess outfits.  And their quirky marketing strategies!

Upstairs, I really enjoyed the Bird Hall. I love all natural history exhibits, and was pleasantly surprised to see they had this section.  I found that there were a lot of chicks on display. How did they die in the first place?  Also saw kiwis! Although not in ideal circumstances.

One of the last exhibits was the Antarctic exploration exhibit.  I forgot how close New Zealand is to the south pole...so it makes sense that there have been expeditions there from both Australia and NZ.  It was really sad reading about the failed expeditions.  One had arrived but discovered they were beaten by a month by another group instead.  They ended up dying in their tent.

It was also hard to read about the plight of the animals.  I understand their use, and many live to work and journey...but it is just so sad that they are hardworking and then they just die because of an accident or intentionally killed.  Siberian ponies (which I had never heard of) were used in Antarctica.  One expedition had 17 ponies in their party, but they weren't planning for the soft snow..so accidents kept occurring and they kept perishing.  And finally the last pony had to be shot, and this was early on in the journey.

Huskies were also regularly used, of course.  There were taxidermy versions of a couple huskies that were born in Antarctica, but they only lived 8-10 years old.  So short!  Next to the figures was a quote by an explorer...saying that dogs were superior than ponies, since they were lighter. But also important that "dog can be fed dog". Ugh so heartbreaking.

Overall, super interesting at the museum.  After over two hours, my energy was dwindling and I needed lunch.  I headed towards the Re:Start Mall, which features retail shopping based out of shipping and cargo containers.  This idea was in response to the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.  A rebuilding of the city's core.  Even on the way to the mall, I saw many buildings still dealing with the aftermath.  Last night I had confused some of these buildings with just being renovated or remodeled...but today it was clear that a lot of older buildings and churches were still in bad shape.  Most of them being masonry buildings.

When I got to the mall, it was such a sight. How cool, colorful shipping containers everywhere. Clean, organized, well laid out.

For lunch I had Dimitri's Greek Cuisine, a food truck that had amazing reviews.  It did have a large crowd waiting.  Had the chicken slovaki...DELICIOUS.

Bridge of Remembrance

I still felt a little out of it, I think it was the heat...so I got a cold drink and walked around slowly, just window shopping this area.  Realistically I couldn't buy much since I'm carrying on the flight home.  I browsed their large department store Ballantynes, which reminded me of Nordstrom.  My feet were killing me.  So sore from my prior hike and all this walking.  I had no choice but to look up nearby foot massages...found one a 10 min drive away in the Riccarton mall.  Who knew Westfield is an international brand.

The mall was pretty updated and large.  It was nice to just be in air conditioning for a little bit.  The massage was soo good for my feet.  I immediately felt better.  It was pricier than usual Chinese massages..but oh well.

Afterwards, I figured I should go to the grocery store there and get my meals for tomorrow.  I've been spending so much money, it would be nice to save some and buy cheap meals.  One solution to this problem: Pak n Save.  I wish I had come here earlier! Wow.  Like Costco but without the bulk requirement, and a ton of options.  I was bummed when I started comparing with what I previously paid..I definitely paid more than double for some items.  Stocked up on cheap dinner for the night, as well as meals for tomorrow.  No more spending tomorrow! Unless I decide I want ice cream or a treat...

After getting back to the hotel, I ate and rested for a bit before walking across the street to check out the Botanical Gardens. It was really windy out and it was past 8:30pm so there weren't any crowds.  Such colorful flowers in bloom.  It was really pretty, especially the rose garden.

Came back to the hotel...another day full of walking and meandering about.  For real now, sad tomorrow is my last day.  It will be fun to explore the Akaroa area briefly though!

Rose Garden with more than 50 varieties