Christchurch
Travel Advice for Seniors: Christchurch
We arrived Christchurch on the South Island after a four hour bus trip down from Blenheim and wine country. You would think a four-hour bus ride would be a trial, but it was not at all. In fact, traveling by bus is a recommended way to see the countryside and the seashore if you have the time. We made numerous bathroom/stretching stops by coffee shops and souvenir shops and stopped at especially scenic areas for photos. We were never uncomfortable. Pack your reusable water bottle and some snacks.
Our accommodation for our three-night Christchurch stop was the Orari B&B. The rooms were comfy and cozy and ours had a lovely view of a couple of flowering trees in front of the B&B. Breakfast was included and was the usual fare, all very good.
A word about accommodation in New Zealand: We like to stay in smaller boutique hotels if possible as they offer a more relaxed setting, and we like to support independent local operators when possible. Many of these do not have room safes and a few do not have luggage assistance, particularly if you have to leave early in the morning. For many you must turn your key in when you leave for the day and pick it up when you return, some also require you to ring a doorbell to be allowed entry. Also, New Zealanders like their fresh air even if it is 50 degrees outside and it takes awhile for the heaters to warm up after closing the windows.
First stop was the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. We love to go to Botanic Gardens and this one did not disappoint. We were there in Late October, which is spring, and many flowers were in bloom. October is actually a great time to visit New Zealand as its not so crowded as Dec/Jan when it is full summer. After a leisurely afternoon stroll at the Gardens, which were very close to the B&B, we picked up a few things for a light dinner at a convenience store and called it a day.
Next day was very much a highlight of the trip for us. Some may think it’s kitschy, but we loved it and spent most of the day at the International Antarctic Center. We ubered out as it was not within walking distance. The Center offered Haglund Rides, a 4D show, live penguins, weather simulating rooms and live huskies. The Center also prepared an international crew to go to Antarctica, so it was more than just tourist fun. The café there was only fair, so plan ahead.
A Haglund is an all-terrain type vehicle that is used in the Antarctic. We were belted in and given ear protection. It was a very bumpy ride of a course simulating the Antarctic terrain. Sign up for this when you arrive so you don’t have to wait.
Next up was the weather simulating rooms where you geared up in appropriate protective clothing and then went inside the snowy room where Antarctic temperatures were simulated. If you were really brave, there was a storm simulator. We skipped that! Watch the snow by the entry doors, it’s slick.
We booked the backstage ticket to see the Little Blue Penguins, which were all rescued or had disabilities. A huge pool and simulated arctic terrain provided a home for these little guys. We got to take a closer look at the care facility and got to watch feeding time. All of the penguins have names, and they hilariously have a “Good” and “Bad” Penguin of the week. “Bad” Penguins steal others food apparently. The backstage part was informative, and it was great to get up close and personal.
The 4D ride was exceptional. It was like an IMAX only with seats that move and wind/mist that blows in your face. We had never experienced a 4D theater before and we absolutely recommend it for a real feel of what Antarctica is like without actually setting foot on the continent.
The last stop was the huskies. I was missing my dogs badly and we were allowed to pet them and give them treats as well as hearing about their usefulness in Antarctic conditions.
We spend so much time at the International Antarctic Center we had to hustle to meet our afternoon tea reservations at The George, a short walk from the hotel. The tea was very nice with the usual complement of delicious tea sandwiches, scones and sweeties. The selection of teas was broad, however, the ambience in the facility was just fair. We like to try tea in different countries as every country seems to have a slightly different take on it.
Our city sightseeing tour included Mona Vale Gardens, Hagley Park and Riccarton House areas and the University of Canterbury. It was a nice drive around town.
We enjoyed our short stay in Christchurch on our way to Greymouth and Franz Joseph via the Alpine Train. It is definitely worth a stop.
Where we stayed: Orari B&B; boutique hotel, centrally located, good breakfast buffet. Rooms very nice. Note had to leave room key when out and be sure to check in/out during business hours if you want help with your luggage.
How we got there: InterCity coach from Blenheim to Christchurch then private transfer to hotel. This was part of a four-week private tour through New Zealand. We began in Auckland and ended in Queenstown.
General Accessibility Information: Major tourist sights, hotels and transportation in most major cities are accessible. Further, some parks or parts of parks are accessible. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements.See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance.
