Day 53 Christchurch, New Zealand

I went out on deck this morning for our sail into the port of Lyttleton and was nearly blown off the deck… I estimate the wind was probably about 17.6345 Kts… I may have exaggerated a bit on that number. To go along with the wind was a bit of rain and… cold temps. Oh Joy, just what I was looking forward to on our visit to Christchurch. As I recall in 2008 when I was here it poured rain. Anyway, I went on my Indigenous Trails’ tour to explore the Maori culture. Our first stop was at the “Sign of the Takahe “ lookout. Normally a great lookout overlooking Christchurch the view was severely diminished with the overcast skies and precipation. Oh well, can’t win them all…. Anyway our guides Dave (Maori) and Steve were a great team showing us the sights and explaining the history and culture of the Maori people. Next we went to Willowbank for the Maori cultural wildlife experience. Here we got to see a lot of wildlife, including the elusive kiwi…. The highlight was the Moari experience which started with the challenge (wero) which led to the Powhiri, welcoming ceremony. They even got all the women and then the men up for dancing…. I must have had some Maori blood in me, a natural…. E then went and paddled a Maori ‘war canoe’. Pretty cool…. I left the tour after lunch in Christchurch and went around the city for a few hours. I even climbed up Christchurch Cathedral… nice view! I spent about an hour in the Botanical Gardens and then headed back to the ship. Great day! Thanks to Dave & Steve for a job well done…. Tomorrow we will be in Wellington, NZ. I will take a relatively short walking tour. Here is the description: Wellington Heritage Walk
A walk through Wellington is a delightful up hill and down dale adventure! The older part of the city is not unlike San Francisco in appearance--it has a rich collection of heritage buildings of national importance and is set on many hills. On this engaging wander through some of Wellington’s quaintest streets, you will experience the essential character and soul of the city. At the pier, you will be met by your knowledgeable guide. Board a shuttle bus for the transfer to Tinakori Road where your walking tour will commence. Highlights of this two-hour walk include seeing the Parliament Buildings (the distinctive “Beehive” and the impressive Old Government Building which is the second largest wooden building in the world), New St. Paul’s Cathedral, a section of theBolton Street Memorial Cemetery and many more historic buildings, including a couple of classic pubs called The Backbencher and The Thistle. Walk along Tinakori Road where some of Wellington’s finest wooden“gingerbread” villa homes can be seen. Your tour will finish at Old St Paul’s Church, one of New Zealand’s finest wooden Gothic churches. From here you will be transfer back to the ship or you may wish to stay in town for some shopping and return to the ship on your own.