5 Star Luxury at The George Hotel, Christchurch

The George is Christchurch's premier central hotel accommodation.

 I had visited for lunch in its restaurant previously but never had the opportunity to stay there. Now with the borders closed I jumped at the opportunity to experience this small piece of Canterbury luxury for myself.

 The hotel is situated in a perfect location, close enough to the central area to enjoy all the amenities but far enough away to experience some well earnt peace and quiet. Hagley Park sits just across the road with the Botanic Gardens a short walk further along. Some of the rooms overlook Hagley Park making it an idyllic setting.

Hagley Park and the River Avon just across the road from the hotel

On arrival I was greeted by both the concierge and receptionist who both went out of their way to ensure I was looked after and that they were attentive to my needs. I got the impression that these are people who are used to catering for the oddest of whims from some of their perhaps more demanding guests – I’ve stayed in enough hotels, I know the type, and I can imagine what their expectations are….

I was offered a coffee whilst someone went to check my room was ready and set up to the high standard demanded. It was a welcome touch. I was early for check in anyhow so their courtesy was very appreciated. So often you get the contrite response you are too early for your room come back later…

 The room itself – very comfortable, a queen bed, desk, two arm chairs and a fantastic bathroom with the most awesome of showers and some excellent and luxurious produce. They were also kind enough to provide spare toothbrushes and shaving kits in case any had been forgotten. My only complaint would be about the coffee machine, or rather lack of it. Yes there was plunger coffee but in this day and age you kind of expect a hotel of this standard to be offering the Nespresso.  Saying that they did provide the courtesy coffee at check in....

The communal accommodation was also excellent. A large lounge area offered lots of choice of seating from bar stools, to comfy sofas to high chairs. I took my time pondering the wine list – the choice was excellent for wine by the glass with a list of top New Zealand choices, such as Wooing Tree Rose, Amisfield Sav or Mt Beautiful Chardonnay, that was indeed beautiful. Sorry I didn’t get as far as the reds… next time.

 The restaurant was buzzing with both hotel guests and a lot of locals which is always a good sign. I’d already booked a restaurant elsewhere in town but I do know that 50 Bistro is good.

 The following morning I ordered room service for my room – a cappuccino and fresh croissants with jam were brought to my door right on time, and I sat in my arm chair enjoying my breakfast after a long lingering shower in that wonderful George bathroom.

the night time turn down included your own teddy bear called ‘George’

Favourite mention – the call out goes to the bed downturn service – I came back from dinner to a couple of chocolates and the loveliest of teddy bears sat on my pillow. He is called George and I was invited to take him home….. a real touch that takes a hotel from good to great, well done The George.

The George bear tale……

Spring days like these.......

There’s nothing like getting out in the open for some good old-fashioned fresh air when Springtime hits, it’s still the best tonic. The sun is out high in the sky, the daffodils nod towards you as you approach, and the trees burst with blossom and new leaves. Hagley Park is the place to head to, whether on your own two feet or if you prefer two wheels. Bikes are available to hire from the Antigua Boat Shed, located close by, and Scooters are lined up on the corners of the city streets. I prefer to stroll along the long length of pathways in the park. Criss crossing through, at one end you have a golf course and work out equipment, on the other a large duck pond which is always teeming with the local residents (of the feathered kind, of course!).

The River Avon flows through Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens

Within Hagley Park is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the River Avon separates the two. There are bridges linking them and peaceful riverside walks to enjoy. The Gardens are home to an array of features including the oldest willow tree in Canterbury, two Victorian style glass houses, a café and numerous peaceful spots to relax and while away the hours. There are the New Zealand gardens, home to numerous native trees and bush, large grassy spots, and some very rare and attractive trees.

Spring flowers in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

At the far end of the gardens is Curators House, an excellent Spanish restaurant with it’s own vegetable garden. On a summers day an outside table there is a prime spot to sit and linger, sample some excellent Spanish tapas whilst enjoying the tranquillty of the Botanic Gardens. The city seems a world away despite it being right on your doorstep.

Curators House in the Botanic Gardens, a great spot for some Spanish Tapas

After a morning wandering Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens I love to make my way over to Sumner, the cities premier beach and seaside spot.  Scarborough and Clifton Beach here are huge stretches of sand that are perfect to spend an afternoon or evening wandering along. Across in the distance the tops of the Southern Alps Mountain Range peak out on the skyline and all around you are the tall cliff faces that frame this coastline.

The long stretches of Scarborough Beach, Sumner

A promenade runs the full length of Sumner linking it with Redcliffs beyond. It’s a popular spot for walking, running and cycling along. I love to enjoy a wind-swept walk across the sand before heading back into Sumner’s small town centre to either devour some delicious fish and chips or stop for a chai latte at one of the local cafes. All have outdoor seating to take advantage off on a warm afternoon.

Nothing blows off the winter cobwebs than a walk on the beach on a Spring Day

Mountain biking an old rail trail, in an hour, a morning, a whole day or even the weekend.....

The weather was sunny and unusually warm for a winters day. Signs of spring were appearing everywhere with young lambs clambering around in fields, blossom on the trees, and the birds singing and chasing each other with greater ferocity.

I’d parked up at Lincoln to join the Little River Rail Trail. The whole trail is nearly 50km in length and is designed to be ridden over a day or so. It’s easily broken up into sections though and today I was starting in Lincoln to begin the trail through the quiet country roads and laneways, passing the lambs and horses grazing in the fields. Chickens were also encountered as they clucked their way about along the track.

After about 5km’s I came to the part of the trail that is off road, meeting up with the Halswell Canal that feeds the wetlands being redeveloped and planted in the area. Magpies nesting in the trees overhead came periously close to my head as I rode along, warning me to keep away from their territory and eggs. Besides the cycle track grasses teamed with life insects and bees buzzing in my ear. Paradise Shell Ducks called out their tune to one another, partnered up, the black heads are male and the white heads female, they are always together, as are groups of Pukeko, the royal blue coloured native birds with red beaks who seem so reluctant to fly even though they are clearly capable.

Little River Rail Trail can be completed in stages or one go - it’s great for both biking and walking

Eventually I came to a narrow bridge crossing the river taking me down a stone covered road past various houses and farms. A department of conservation nursery and campsite sat alongside the local race track. The Motokarara Station has been restored and relocated and sits as the entranceway for another section of the rail trail. I decided to turn back at this point to retract my bike ride to the car. This time I was cycling into the wind which made it slightly harder but the vision of the snow capped Southern Alps prominent in the distance on this clear day lured me onwards.

The Little River Rail Trail was established in the mid 2000’s and follows the former Little River Branch Railway Line that linked the farming area with Christchurch city centre. The line was operative between 1875 to 1967. Signs along the trail display details of its heritage.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway, a trip through the Canterbury Plains

I fancied an energetic weekend so after my bike ride Saturday morning along the Little River Rail trail I headed further west across the flat Canterbury Plains to the Rakaia Gorge. Grabbing a Hororata Pie on route for my lunch my journey took me to the picturesque gorge and it’s well maintained walkway.

The Rakaia Gorge walkway takes you through native New Zealand bush seemingly alive with birdsong and along an historic ferryman’s track which traverses the gorge edges.

The historic bridge crossing the Rakaia Gorge

The hike begins just at the side of the historic bridge which was built as a river crossing way back in 1882. As you head up into the bush you leave behind the traffic from the roadway beneath and are met with the calling sounds of the local bellbirds, wax eyes and fantails. You will undoubtably see many of them flying over pathway as you walk. The trail can be broken up into manageable sections or undertaken in one return loop. In total it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the return walk of just over 10km. Be warned some of the sections are steep in places and the footing can be uneven. There are some muddy spots where local springs run through and a shallow stream crossing to negotiate – so good solid walking boots are a necessity unless you enjoy wet feet!

The views that appear regularly as you stroll along are mightily impressive. The gorge is glacial with covered terraces but it has also been shaped by the Rakaia river that runs through it – the Rakaia is what is known as a New Zealand braided river meaning it is wide and can change shape depending on the amount of snow melt from the mountains feeding it. On a clear day you can follow the river right through the gorge to its mouth at the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to numerous trout and salmon in season so popular place to wade and fish. It’s also a top jet boating river being shallow and wide and quite often in summer time you can hear the whirl and snort of these boats as they whizz along beneath you. There is a commercial jet boat running along the river as well – it heads out from the car park at the start of the walk and is highly recommended. It’s fun, exhilarating and you get to venture a lot further down the river.

A peak through the bush along the walk

But back to my walk - the lower lookout spot is the first you come across where the views both ways up and down the river are quite something to behold, after a tough start to the walk it’s a popular spot to have a picnic or pause for thought. Further down the track you reach places where the pathway is literally carved out of the side of the cliff with steep drops down beneath. There is some farmland to cross before you reach Montane forest and shrub and come to a former coal mine tunnel which still has some old equipment left behind. It’s a short walk off the main track to this area.

The remainder of the walk up to the upper gorge lookout is largely uphill and is quite a slog in places. It’s well worth it though when you reach the end and witness the rugged mountain ranges towering up above. The perfect blue crystal clear water of the river surging through beneath on it’s way to the sea.

Upper gorge lookout

Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury

How about an indulgent break in the Wairapa Region

Black Estate has won the New Zealand Winery Restaurant of the year at least twice and it’s no secret that this place is good. It’s very good. The small restaurant and wine tasting room is situated overlooking the vineyards and out across the valley. State Highway One is a short distance away but you would hardly notice. The chardonnay vines are a much more welcome distraction. The wine itself I can vouch is just as elegant and easy to consume as it’s setting.

The restaurant here has a small menu chalked up on a blackboard for perusal. All the ingredients used are grown locally. The vegetarian delights are often as good as the meat and fish varieties and teach you that flavour and taste come in all packages. Never miss a dessert here, on my last recent visit I indulged in a crumble and I swear it was the best ever.

The winery also has on site accommodation for a couple looking to indulge in the restaurant and then have that awesome view all to themselves later. It’s a good option as you will want that second glass of rose I promise - and waking up to that vineyard view is a sure winner.

Loving Little River, the gateway to the Banks Peninsula if worthy of a stay in it's own right

I’ll start with a statement - I love Little River, the small town on the Banks Peninsula nearly half way between Christchurch and Akaroa. At first glance this would seem a surprising statement as there really isn’t much at Little River. It’s a stopping off point for a bathroom break and/or refreshment. Yes sure there’s the lovely café with outdoor seating, the small art shop and fuel station. But that’s just the start, there is more, so much more.

Get out and about and you will uncover Okuti Valley, Birdlings Flat, Mongomery Scenic Reserve, French Farm and the Little River Rail Trail. There is also an excellent diner in town for breakfast, a stunning camp ground to sleep at and endless birdsong to enjoy. Heck there is even a silo to stay in if you so wish…..

Coming shortly more information about how to make the most of a fantastic few days in this peaceful and unexpectedly captivating location.

Shhhh, some secret New Zealand weekend escapes coming up as we begin to explore again

After many weeks stuck inside, metaphorically chained to our own kitchen sink, it’s time to head out again and rediscover New Zealand.

The trouble is where to go first and what to see. There has never been a better time to uncover this beautiful countries best spots, especially now there are no foreign visitors to our shore. We have NZ all to ourselves for most likely just a short while. We need to get out there and take it all in, see the top places empty of people parading iPhones and selfie sticks. But where do we go first and when? Well I have a few suggestions that might hopefully provide you with some ideas and inspiration.

Coming up:

See Lake Tekapo like it’s 1999…………

Journey the epic Milford Road without a tour bus in sight…….

Hike to a glacier lake on your own……..

Kayak with playful New Zealand Fur Seals…..

Surf with the world’s smallest dolphin……

Tuck into green lip mussels by a picturesque bay……

Encounter Kea in a mountain valley…..