Christchurch and beyond...

Next Stop: Christchurch, the largest city of the South Island, to meet with Pam and David from WoolOver – wool jackets for lambs and calves to get the newborns through harsh winters. After our afternoon tea, they gave us a city tour and history of the 2010 and 2011 earthquake devastation and rebuilding that is still happening. Known as the Garden City of New Zealand, it is truly a scenic city with gardens, parks and the Avon River winding through the city.

We searched out a few breweries and happened to stumble on a BMX competition and BloKarts at Bixby Park (wouldn’t this be amazing in Beaver Dam!?) and a nice beach.

I was so excited to visit The Giant’s House, in Akaroa, the happiest garden on earth, named by a small girl looking up at it from the valley below, who said it was so big it must be the house of a Giant. Built in 1880 by a wealthy banker, the house is now the home of artist Josie Martin. She has breathed new life into this fabulous property which now showcases her contemporary art and concrete mosaic sculptures with many quirky and creative features designed among an exquisite garden. It was such a pleasure to be welcomed at The Giant’s House.

Timaru’s Caroline Bay is home to a colony of the world’s smallest penquins. The Little Blue Penguins (Korora) nest in burrows along the coastline. Only about 12” high with slate-blue plumage, these penguins go out sea fishing early morning and come in to nest after dark. We walked the beautiful beach and stayed up way past our bedtime to catch a glimpse of some penguins. Too far away & dark for good pics; see those little white spots?

Time for bed! XOXOXOXO Gma & Gpa