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

Camping - one of the most rewarding ways to appreciate the serenity of Marlbourough

Camping in the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most satisfying ways to get off the grid.

You don’t need much – simply a tent or a campervan – to get away and enjoy some of the most relaxing and appealing scenery to be enjoyed anywhere. Appreciating the serenity of the place and it’s unobtrusive lifestyle is what it is all about. Of course there are things to do here. There are some great hiking trails, some awesome mountain biking tracks, cruises to swim with the local pod of dolphins or appreciate this outstanding scenery from the water. Kayaking, sailing, even visits to local mussel farms. There is heaps to keep even the most motivated amongst us occupied. I will mention all these wonderful activities plus the best places to eat and hang out in a later blog. For now though the focus is on camping.

Marlborough Sounds

discover a different morning awakening

There is limited access to the Marlborough Sounds, roads are narrow, winding and long. Numerous remote campsites are available if you are prepared to venture out. A lot of the Department of Conservation campsites are only accessible by water however there are a number also available by road which makes it a great place to take a campervan.

Elaine Bay is one of the drivable campsites situated by the side of the water. There is a small reserve available for a small number of campers. A port operates close by so you can watch the boats servicing the nearby mussel farms head in and out. The water is also the launch point for many leisure boaties. It’s a peaceful spot and if you arise early enough you will be greeted to a warm sunrise across the water which is particularly atmospheric if there is a cloud or two around.

One of the many views from the campervan at Elaine Bay, Marlborough Sounds…….

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.

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.