Garden City
My last stop of this wonderful journey through New Zealand is in Christchurch. This largest city of the South Island is also known as the “Garden City”. Also well-known for its Wall Street Art. So as soon as I had checked in at my last accommodation the “GIVE Hotel” which is very ideally situated opposite of the Botanic Gardens of Christchurch, I had to go and see for myself.
Christchurch Botanic Garden
At the entrance of the Gardens I was welcomed by the iconic Peacock Fontain, an ornate, Victorian cast-iron structure in beautiful shades of blue and green. I started wandering and wondering around all the majestic trees and colourful flowers. The Rose garden and Rhododendron section were impressive.
I loved the Ginkgo Tree, but fell deeply in love with a huge centenarian, gum twisted Eucalyptus tree. I know Eucalyptus trees are monoecious (both male & female), but to me SHE was a QUEEN. Her twisted trunk measured a massive 3.7 m in diameter! There she stood, gracious rising above alle others. I felt how she had managed all the challenges the weather conditions, especially the wind…with both grace and strenght. For a moment I wished I could be like her.
World Buskers Festival
As I left the Botanic Gardens, hungry now,… I heard some music. Curious as I am, I followed the sound and ended up not further then just across the street. There was a stage and some people were queuing up. So I asked a “Staff-girl” what was going on. Apparently the World Buskers Festival was going on right here, right now! Starting in 30 minutes!
I went back to the Hotel, dropped my bag and returned. Got myself a 10,- NZD Ticket, grapped a stone-baked pizza from the food truck and found a spot to enjoy the show. Garaghty and Thom did an awesome job. English humour at its best! Hoopsadaisies with her Hulahoops and another great Juggling artist I had actually seen already in Queenstown. Not realizing, that they were part of a Buskers Festival! What an entertaining night I had!
Christchurch Art & Culture
Culture is huge in Christchurch. My short stay of only 1.5 day has been way too short.
During my second day here, I went to see the Riverside Market before heading the the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, where a Banksy Exhibition was on. I love Banksy, but the queue was long and my time limited.
Off to the Scorpio Bookshop – where I fell in love again! I cannot explain, what it is when I am among books. Great recommendations from the Staff, a lovely collection of Gavin Bishop… my favourite author to learn about this country in a very visual way. The smell, the feeling, the energy of the people. The first time, when it happened that I got really emotional in a Bookstore was at “Gertrude & Alice Bookstore” at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia in 2002.
I can still recall the moment as if it was yesterday. During this trip something similar happened 3 times. Deep down… I have always wanted to own my own bookstore, with corners to linger and get lost in that one chapter over a Chai Latte.
Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetu was the next stop. I love, that most of New Zealands Musea are free of charge. Culture should be accessible to anyone. It enriches the mind and soul. I loved some of Raymond McIntyre’s work. Especially his partraits of Phyllis under the title “One must strive to be oneself….”
Hotel GIVE – the kind Foundation
I had booked this hotel already a while ago, not knowing anything about “the kind Foundation” part. So once I arrived and saw the sign, I had to ask what it was all about! The Kind Foundation supports the Christchurch community by offering a diverse range of programmes and services for those in need. There’s a kid-centre annex to the reception desk which looks amazing! I really liked the name GIVE already, but this was even better! The perfect end of my “kindness-trip-around New Zealand”, don’t you think?!
