Day 32 - Solo in Christchurch

​Apart from those who had left early for the airport, the rest of the group had a final breakfast together this morning before saying our goodbyes. It was then time for me to move my suitcase from the tour hotel to my apartment for the next few days. I was too early to check-in, but good to get rid of the suitcase to go exploring.

One of my missions for my time in Christchurch was to get a haircut, so I used the powers of google to find somewhere that looked suitable. It should have been a five minute walk from my apartment, but there were a LOT of AdLabs nearby and I got a bit distracted…. Anyway, I did eventually make it there and managed to book an appointment for this afternoon.

I then continued my walk down by the river, taking in lots of cool sights and caches, including the Suffragette monument, monument to Scott of the Antarctic, and the memorial bridge. 


On my self-guided tour I also discovered the city library - home of seemingly ALL the fun, as well as an AdLab series. I loved the library, which also serves as a community centre. As well as books, there were art installations (including a penguin sculpture!), board games, a cafe, toys for kids (including lots of Lego!), gardens and loads more. A very kind librarian also helped me with an AdLab question as the area I needed to access was closed! Big shout out here for Christchurch library.


My next adventure was a tour of the city on the tram. I do love a tram, and the driver/guide was brilliant. I felt like I learned so much about the city. My favourite fact was that the statue of Queen Victoria was the only statue in the whole city not to be knocked off its plinth in the earthquake. There was, obviously, a lot said about the earthquake. It is crazy to think that 70% of the city’s buildings were ultimately destroyed as a result. Anyone worried about me can rest assured that the rebuilt buildings have been built to be more earthquake proof!


After a quick stop for an ice cream (from a shop recommended by the tram driver!), I went for my haircut. I think the friendly hairdresser did a good job, and he was also interesting to chat with. 

By now it was time to check into my apartment. Joanne had done her usual magic, and even got me an upgrade so my apartment is super-swanky! I did then just test out the bed by having a nap…..

This evening I met up with Jon and David, two from the tour who are still in the city, and we had dinner by the river. David flies home to Australia tomorrow, but I am meeting up with Jon and Dana (who didn’t join us for dinner tonight) tomorrow night to go to the theatre.

As I walked back to my apartment, I had a lovely catch up on WhatsApp with Jane and Tony, who have been to Doubtful Sound today.

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