Running with the Ward's: Wynyard Quarter

My parents arrived in Auckland on Saturday, 2 March and after picking them up we had dinner in Wynyard Quarter at Urban Turban. We departed the next morning for Christchurch. We got there early enough to check into our hotel and visit the Re:Start Mall (aka container city) before meeting up with our tour group. Re:Start Mall is an area near the red zone in Christchruch that was developed soon after the 22 February 2011 earthquake as local businesses that had been destroyed in the quake reopened in train car containers. It is now a thriving little area with many businesses including banks, cafes, and boutiques operating out of containers.

This marked the start of our 9 day tour with AAT Kings of the South Island of New Zealand. J and my room was next door to M&D's (at the Copthorne) and we both had patios facing a dry creek bed. So of course Justin took the liberty of struggling over the creek bed and back totting his chair so we could all hang out on one patio.

Restart Mall

Lindsay posing after lunch in restart mall

The next morning we took a bus tour around the outskirts of the red zone in Christchuch CBD. The damage from the earthquake on 22 February 2011 was so extensive that a huge portion of Christchurch CBD is still fenced off as the city makes plans to rebuild. The earthquake killed 185 people and the fenced off area looked like a war zone. We also spent some time exploring the botanical gardens (complete with numerous animal topiaries).

The Cardboard Cathedral

Lindsay and a topiary penguin

View into the red zone

From Christchurch, we drove west to a sheep farm where we had lunch and were able to feed and pet the sheep! Needless to say, this was a highlight for at least one member of our traveling party.


Lindsay and a sheep

M&D and a sheep (with daughter and her backpack in the background)

This sheep dog was so cool....and now he is guarding a rabbit

and not to be left out....J and a sheep....and an ipad

We also visited Lake Tekapo which was the most beautiful shade of bright blue and caught glimpses of Mt Cook before ending the day in Twizel.

Lake Tekapo with Southern Alps in the background

Church of the Good Shepard overlooking Lake Tekapo

How beautiful!

Last Saturday Justin and I finally partook (yep, it is a real word) in the farmers market at Britomart we have walked through (or by) so many times. The farmers market takes place each Saturday right in front of my office. While there are a few produce stands there, the market is mostly breakfast treats and fun foods to buy. I had baby pancakes with cream and berries and then Justin and I split an order of empanadas. We also got a bag of bagel chips to take home and of course had to buy a bag of bagels as well because of the deal if you bought two items. After the market, we strolled down the waterfront to the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter. It was a lovely, sunny morning and we took full advantage of it before the rain set in for the afternoon and evening. There was plenty to see on our walk as New Zealand Fashion Week was in full swing at the Viaduct Events Centre.