Very short (and imprecise) geography lesson: New Zealand is made up of many, many islands but there are just the two big ones, known as the North Island and the South Island. Or, of you're a Kiwi, you refer to the one where you live as "The Mainland." Gotta love that dry sense of humour! The whole country is comparable in size to Great Britain, Japan or Colorado, yet has a population of only 4 million. Most live on the North Island, more than a quarter in the largest city, Auckland. Useless piece of trivia: there are more possums in NZ than people.
Anyway, our holiday trip was to the South Island. Christchurch is the largest city. Its population is only about 400,000 (although a shuttle-bus driver tried to tell us it was over 1 million!) and the vibe is much like a big, friendly, country town...but with some very nice restuarants. It's also easy to get around, even on foot, and because our B&B was only a 10-15 minute, flat (as in, no hills) walk from "the city" we walked. The museum is excellent, I didn't lose too much at the casino blackjack table, and we thoroughly enjoyed a night at the races (harness racing, my dh's passion.)
This is a pic of the very lovely Eliza's Manor where we stayed. If you're ever visiting Christchurch, this is the place. Especially if you love taking a long, leisurely bath in a deep clawfoot bath with a garden view. And they do a divine breakfast, also with garden view.
posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 9:46 AM
