Seventh day of my New Zealand trip. It was my final day. I had the full day time to spend in Christchurch city. I woke up quite late, about 8.30AM as I had to take more rest from whole day trekking at Arthur’s Pass yesterday and I would like to make my last day as super chill and slow-life day. 😆
After taking shower, get dressed, have an easy breakfast and pack by stuffs, I checked out from the hotel at 10AM and deposited my luggage at the hotel lobby (I would be back to pick-up again in late afternoon). My today plan was just walk in city center to explore the biggest city in South Island before catch the bus to the hotel near Christchurch Airport in the evening (my flight back to Thailand was on the next day morning). 🛫
The first place of the day was Bridge of Remembrance which is only 500 meters away from my hotel. It was located on Cashel Street crosses the Avon River. This bridge is a war memorial dedicated to those who died in World War I and served as a memorial for those who participated in two World Wars as well as subsequent conflicts in Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. It was first open in 1924 and then in 1985, it was registered as a Category I heritage structure with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. In the present, Bridge of Remembrance is one of the landmark of Christchurch which all visitor must see and visit.
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Then, I walked from Bridge of Remembrance to Cashel Street which is a central business and commercial hub in Christchurch. As I was on Saturday, all the shops and stores were just open. The highlight of this street is The tram what is passing through the ciy center. It makes Christchurh looked like old-style city. By the way, it has many ranges of the shop at Cashel Street, from local handcraft shops to brandname stores as well as plenty of souvinir marts.
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I strolled around Cashel Street to find some gift before walking back to Riverside Market. It was almost noon at that time and I realized that it was the time for meal. It has many of food shop in this market which I can say that it is international foods. I could find Western style foods like Pizza and Burger and Eastern dishes such as Ramen, Sushi and Rice. I walked for 2 rounds to make decision before ending up with Malaysian food, Steamed rice with chicken satay. Riverside market is daily, 7.30AM – 6PM (Thursday – Saturday open until 9PM).
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After I satisfied with yummy food at Riverside Market, I rested for the while by sitting at the bench on the bank of Avon River. Then, I continued my city tour by walking along with the river to immerse myself to the peaceful but vibrant atmosphere of Christchurch.
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I wandered to Victoria Square and turn to Amagh Street and turn again to Rolleston Avenue until I stopped at Christchurch art centre which is just opposite to Hotel Give, the hotel where I stayed. 😁
Christchurch art center is a cultural and historic landmark of Christchurch. In the past, it was used by University of Canterbury. After the university moved, the site was repurposed into an arts and cultural exhibition place. Nowadays, it is known for its Gothic Revival architecture, making it a unique and picturesque destination.
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Opposite to Christchurch art center, it is one of the landmark in this city, Christchurch Botanic Garden. It was found in 1863. The garden sprawls over an area of 21 hectares and and lie adjacent to the loop of the Avon River. It is extensive and contain an impressive array of plant collections that is available to visit all year round. Christchurch Botanic Garden is the best place to relax, sit back and enjoy the greenery of nature in Christchurch. And, it is the most important place to make this city has a nickname as “The Garden City“. Christchurch Botanic Garden is open daily from 9AM – 5PM with free admission.
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It was extremely tranquil moment when I was in Christchurch Botanic Garden. It could stroll around and sit on the bench to live with myself with worry free. Next, at 3.30PM, I had to say goodbye to the garden and walk back to my hotel to retrieve my deposited luggage. Tonight, I planned to stay near to Christchurch airport because I would take the flight back to Thailand on the next day at 10.50AM. After I got my luggage, I walked from hotel to the next block on Hereford street to wait the Bus No.8 at bus stop. It has bus schedule and next arrival bus at the platform. The bus cost was only 4 NZD/person (3 USD). It could pay directly to the driver. It took about 35 minutes to get the airport bus terminal.
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I arrived the airport bus terminal about 4PM. Then, I walk to LyLo Christchurch, the affordable and nice hostel where I would stay tonight. It was just only 15 minutes away by foot (about 1 km). It has hypermarket next to the hostel , Woolworths Christchurch Airport. I could buy some food from here and cook at hostel’s kitchen. 😋
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After I arrived the hotel and checked-in, I kept by belonging at the room and went out to buy some food for dinner and for breakfast in the next day. Then, I spent my free time in the evening to pack my stuff and prepare for the long flight tomorrow. Honestly, it was the sad moment that I would leave the paradise country on the next day. But I did not just leave. I also packed my unforgettable experience and memory and carried them back with me. Anytime when I think of the land of The Land of the Long White Cloud and Middle Earth, New Zealand will be always popped-up in my heart. ❤️🇳🇿🩷
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Written by : Shipy Siwarit Tiasuwattiseth
Shipy-Ship 