My parents were scheduled for a shore excursion called "Christchurch City Sightseeing". They like to take generic city tours that typically travel via motorcoach and take you through town pointing out various things, then go to 1 to 3 destinations. Usually a botanical garden, historic home/landmark, museum, etc. The tours usually cost between $49 and $79 per person and last anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours.
Today's tour starts out at a botanical garden. I couldn't decide on just one photo, so I included 3. So pretty. Reminds me of Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C.
Next is Christchurch Arts Centre (That's how they spell it - 're' instead of 'er'. Like 'harbour' yesterday, it looks odd.) Attractions there are galleries, studios, shops, cafes, a theater, and gothic style buildings. On weekends they have arts and crafts fairs and farmer's markets. Sounds like a fun gathering place with lots of activity.
After that, it's off to Mona Vale - yet another garden. (I scheduled all their tours and I'm now realizing I sent them to an awful lot of gardens! Hope they're not sick of flowers by now.) Mona Vale is a Victorian style homestead located beside a river.
There are sights that will be pointed out along the way, such as Sign of the Takahe, a stone roadhouse with magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains.This tour is 4 hours long, so it includes refreshments. Here is what the tour description says about it:
REFRESHMENTS
A delightful morning or afternoon Devonshire Tea is included during your time at Mona Vale, which includes smoked salmon and cucumber club sandwiches, tea, coffee, plus scones with whippings of fresh cream and jam.
Yummy. Tomorrow is a full day at sea, then Tauranga, New Zealand, then to the final destination of Auckland, where my parents have a 2-night stay before flying 16 LONG hours home.
1 comment:
I love the gardens, but I am really fascinated by the architecture, both old and new.
There are some great looking buildings in these photos.
Very well done.
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