A memorable visit to New Zealand
Christchurch and Queenstown were wonderfully refreshing places to visit and more than met our pre-visit expectations.
The SO Hotel in Christchurch had tiny rooms and bathrooms, but was functional and more than adequate for one night. The hotel had a lively and ‘funky’ atmosphere. Finding our way around Christchurch was not a problem at all as it is a small city. Our pre-booking of airport-hotel transport and a two-day tram pass was adequate, although we could have bought a combined ticket for the tram, gondola and take-off at the tram station at lower fares and across the counter.
The Botanical Garden, one of the ten best in the world, was a beautiful place to walk. It would have been great if we had more time and could sit and enjoy the serenity and majesty of the flowering trees and plants. We took the Punting walk on the River Avon through the Botanic Gardens and this too had a peaceful and calming influence.
The gondola ride was not up to par and in retrospect was a waste of money. We spent some time at the top of the hill and had a cup of coffee/hot chocolate before heading back. It was cold and very windy at the top of the hill. You could literally fly away. I have some interesting photos of Deepa and Saraswati with their hair blowing in high winds.
The tram ride through the city on quaint vintage trams was fun and we hopped on and off at sights. The National Museum of Maori Art and Culture and the Museum of Arts were worth the time we spent in each. The Art Museum had paintings of the early settlers and life as it was in those early days. It was good to see Christchurch or New Zealand of yesteryear and its evolution into the city and country of today. Everywhere we went, we saw the value and esteem paid to early settlers, explorers, and pioneers and their dedication to establishing fledgling settlements. Of course, in terms of ancient civilizations and culture, this place cannot match the historical sights like Rome, Mesapotamia, Indus Valley, etc. The tradition and history of the Maori cannot match that of the ancient Chinese, Indians and Persians.
We popped in on a tour of the 1864 Methodist Church and the Christchurch Anglican Cathedral. In both places we stayed for a while and said short prayers and spent moments of silence. Both churches had beauty and tranquility, although Christchurch Cathedral was structurally more beautiful and majestic. The Plaza de la Catedral was quite a fun place and a place to sit and rest for a while.
In Queenstown, Nokia and the event management staff took complete care of us. True to form, they gave us an exceptional time. . . unique experiences in terms of food and wine, the experience of staying at the Sofietel Hotel, the adventure activities and the beautiful cultural offer. A lot of care and attention to detail made the visit comfortable and memorable. The Sofietel Hotel and Spa was extremely comfortable and right in the heart of the small town of only 17,000 people, but receives over 1.5 million tourists each year. The life of the residents clearly revolves around tourism. The taxi hired to take us to each activity was driven by well-mannered retirees who engaged us in warm conversation throughout. A world of difference from the cab/taxi experience in most other cities.
Of the many memorable experiences we had was ‘The Souring into the Heights’ program as part of the Delgates Program. I had the experience of flying in a vintage WWII Tiger Moth open cockpit. It can’t get more memorable than that, right? I also took a helicopter ride along with four others and landed on top of a mountain overlooking the Remarkables Mountain range and valley and the Wakapitu River. The views were really impressive. I took a lot of photos, but the camera just can’t do anything for the majesty of the scenic beauty.
We had a fun filled day at Queenstown Hill and Walters Peak where we had a variety of activities including kayaking, horse riding, sheep shearing and a display of sheepdog skills. The setting was simple out of the world. Deepa, in particular, liberated himself with multiple luge rides, kayaking, horseback riding, etc. We had flown to Walter’s Peak in an eight seater Islander plane which was a wonderful experience in itself. These quaint little planes are well-suited to the type of flight we take through valleys and along the side of a mountain before landing on a grassy plain. The experience and views were magnificent, a once in a lifetime experience. The restaurant at Walter’s Peak and the sheer beauty of the surroundings was just wonderful. I couldn’t help but click my camera.
The return voyage was on a steamer, the TSS Earnslaw, a steamer powered by a coal-fired steam engine that has been sailing since 1912. On board was a grand old lady playing the piano and encouraging everyone to join a sing-along session of old favorites. like Waltzing Matilda, My Bonnie Lies over the ocean, etc. It was a fun and relaxing ride back to the hotel.
As usual, Nokia made sure we had a great networking time over dinner. The first day was at the Prime restaurant where the food and atmosphere were not that great. The next day at Gantley’s was much better. The atmosphere in particular was magnificent. Similarly, the Awards Night venue at Mount Soho Winery and Restaurant was wonderful. This was the opera recital of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She is reputed to be one of the world’s foremost artists and her singing, even to an ear as inexperienced as mine, was truly beautiful and moving. We’re told she sang at the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana! We were very lucky to hear such a qualified artist.
Another great experience was the exhilarating 25 minute ride we took on The Shotover Jet. A speedboat that hurtles through Shotover Canyon at 50 mph, driven by experts who spin the boat 360 degrees and also shoot along. along the canyon walls, giving you the impression that you are going to crash into them. It was a fun filled trip and a wonderful experience.