A Day In Christchurch
It’s not called the Garden City for nothing.
I had the pleasure of a day in this beautiful city that has been through so much taking my merino wool travel wraps on another adventure.
Once again I took a Jetstar flight….my 6th so far and 6 good experiences at half the price of our national carrier.
As I came off the plane I was greeted by the new ROAM store owned by Russ &Jo.
It is so inviting. A fabulous array of very different prints on tees and caps. Their graphics are amazing. To see OBR merino represented in this beautiful store warmed the cockles of my heart. Our colours looked so clear and Julie and the girls have done a magnificent job of the displays.
Then it was a quick drive into the city. Each time I go it I see this city rebuilding from the ashes.
The Zebrano store in the city centre is an old circular building with lots of nooks and crannies filled with such an array of various designers creations.
Christchurch is known as the Garden City so I took a short detour and went for a visit to the Botanical Gardens.
It was busy with tourists and locals. To spend a day in there just wandering or reflecting would surely clear the mind and re-charge body batteries.
In any season it must be beautiful.
Parking across the river the visitors centre peeps through the trees with its reflection on the waters.
After crossing a wee bridge the garden is there in all its glory. School children were there for the Enchanted Garden tour, Mums pushing strollers, elderly people just wandering or sitting on the many seats, people meeting for meals in the cafe or shoppers thronging in the gift shop.
There is this amazing tree that has branches that look like they have been wound around the trunk. It’s leaves had started to fall so it looked almost prehistoric.
Then there is this awesome sculpture gracefully coming out of the water. It has little steps that the bird life love to sit on. It is a 13 metre receding perspective staircase made of aluminium looking like it is heading for the clouds with no end.
It was designed by Aucklander David McCraken.
The Avon river just meanders along peacefully. It is different whichever angle you look at it. The reflections of the pristine ferns and foliage along its banks are breathtaking. The autumn colours were just beginning. In another month the colours will be sensational.
I had a little spare time between appointments and had heard of the wee southern town of Oxford. It is about a 30 minute drive north west of the city through green, luscious flat farms.
I had heard of an amazing bookshop in Oxford. Now I love my books but wasn’t prepared for this quaint, amazing shop called Emma’s bookshop being out in the country.
Not only does Emma have the most amazing array and assortment of books but also an area of unusual designer clothes and gifts. Watch this space to have our merino wraps in there!
After such a refreshing day I relaxed on my flight home knowing my wraps are in some pretty cool stores in Christchurch.
Jan Turley
