Fun in Christchurch

After breakfast and a short drive into the city, our day began with a tour of Hagley Park’s Botanic Garden led by our dear friend, Dr. Colin Meurk. The garden was part of Christchurch's initial 1850 plans and its construction was modeled after typical English structure. It was born from the 19^th century movement to create green spaces for communities in England and the United States, who recognized the benefit of having happy, healthy workers.

Cuningham House Conservatory

While the garden featured plants from all around the world, those native to New Zealand are tucked away into the back corner – a metaphor Dr. Meurk used to highlight the general mindset when it comes to plants used across the nation’s landscape. However, because non-native plants brought to the island were free from natural predators and other controls, they’ve been able to thrive and we were treated with colorful flowers, concerning cacti, and towering redwoods.

Garrick House cactus collection

Group picture with a California Redwood

Our visit was followed by a quick lunch break at Robert Harris Café and we were off to the Canterbury Museum where we learned about Maori history, Antarctic expeditions, and Moas, the giant, flightless birds that roamed New Zealand until roughly 500 years ago.

Devin (right) and a Moa skeleton

We explored a few nearby shops and finally wrapped up the day at the Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu). The place had it all, from realist paintings and abstract sculptures to a 45-minute video of a man playing with butter, but we were still pleased to leave a little bit of art of our own.

Igloo made with children’s magnets - Cole