Modern architecture in Christchurch.
by worldkiwi
The new art gallery between Gloucester and Worcester Streets is an example of pleasing modern architecture in Christchurch. Sadly, most of the commercial buildings in the CBD are a bit of a blot on the landscape, especially considering how buildings could have been designed to fit in with the pre-existing rich heritage buildings of this graceful old city. Luckily, whoever designed the new art gallery, did a good job. This isn't my favourite building in Christchurch, but it is my favourite modern building.
Scrum Down!
by ATXtraveler
For those of you who have met me, you will likely know that I played Rugby for 10+ years until my official retirement in 2007. Going to New Zealand in general made me so happy, but especially teary when I would walk through a park and see the touch lines and scrum machines.
The pictures here show a scrum sled, which looks similar to a blocking sled in American football. As illustrated by Sarah, her father Gene and I, there is a proper technique to practicing your scrums. Gene and I are what are called "props" and Sarah in this case is a "hooker". This particular practice took place in North Hagley Park in Christchurch.
If you would like to learn more about proper rugby technique, please schedule a flight to New Zealand, the home of the best rugby team ever to not win a World Cup*.
*As of 2008
The Magnificent Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
by Kakapo2
Every time I walk or drive past the wonderful Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Barbadoes Street I get the feeling it is a kind of forgotten place, and it seems as if it was not blessed with its location, as beautiful and peaceful as it is. Although it is still within walking distance from the very city centre, and on the way to AMI Stadium, and just a stonethrow away from Pak'n'Save, it is off the beaten path, with no other gems of architecture or history nearby mentioned in travel guides. Every time I pass I see it completely deserted - which even contributes more to its marvellous beauty. It looks absolutely fascinating when the evening sun paints a warm shine on the cool white fassade, the two main towers on the street side dominating the sky, with no other buildings disturbing the perfect picture.
The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is a Roman Catholic church. The foundation stone was laid in 1901, and it was opened in 1905. The style is Roman Renaissance, that is why it is often referred to as "The Basilica". The dome is placed above the sanctuary. The architect was Francis Petrie, a NZ born man with English ancestors.
The interiour has wonderful arcades , colonnades and arches, and although it is massive it still looks gracious. It undoubtedly is a wonderful piece of architecture which has impressed small people and great poets like George Bernard Shaw alike.
Mass Times
Mon-Fr 7.30am
Tue-Fr 12.10pm
Sat 8.00am
Sun 7.30am, 12.10pm, 7pm
Public Holidays 8.00am
Sin twice and Pay only once
by Kakapo2 about Cookie Time Factory Shop
Eating cookies can be addictive. Take this as a warning before you read my tip about a visit to the Cookie Time factory shop. Yes, the Cookie Time cookies are proudly made in Christchurch.
Already the building, painted over and over in chocolate chip cookies, is worth a look. But of course, you are not there to photograph a cookie façade. You are there to buy cookies at a low price, so you can eat more for less.
The cookies are about 30 cheaper than in supermarkets and dairies. And they always have special offers. Then you can really make real deals. For example, they often offer two bags for the price of one, and they always have bags of broken cookies at very low prices.
I absolutely love the apricot/yogurt cookies, and the fruity bumper bars with chocolate chips. (Yes, I know, all of them have at least one million calories… That is why I exercise regularly, so I do not look like the Cookie Time munchers in the near future…)
They also sell memorabilia and t-shirts. A good thing about Cookie Time is that they have founded the Cookie Munchers Charitable Trust. With this they raise funds for the Dyslexia Foundation. The Cookie Munchers are the red monsters that you see on all Cookie Time wrappings – and a giant one in front of the Factory Shop.
Affordable Car Rentals
by Kakapo2
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Update February 2011
Due to earthquake damage, the company relocated from 248 St. Asaph Street to 58 Manchester Street, more or less around the corner.
This is the perfect company if you plan to start and finish your NZ trip in Christchurch or if you just want to explore the surroundings of Christchurch like the Summit Road, Banks Peninsula (Akaroa) or attractions (like Orana Park) that cannot be reached by bus. Or if you just want to get around fast in your limited time without bussing back to the Bus Exchange.
The company is owner-run and Nigel Cooper lives with and for his cars and it is centrally located in Manchester Street, just one block south of St. Asaph Street, at the corner with Southwark Street (towards Moorhouse Ave). You can easily walk there from Cathedral Square or the Bus Exchange.
The rates are great, and we have tested a car ourselves and visiting friends who hired cars there were also very satisfied with the quality of the cars and the rates.
An example:
If you rent for a minimum of four days you get a compact car for 24 to 49 NZ $, depending on the season. Such hires include unlimited kilometres.
Nigel also has convertibles (89 to 109$), people movers and campervans (both 69 to 104$). One of his fun cars is a red Mazda X5, if you want to spend a few dollars more.
Email contact:
rentals@affordablecars.co.nz
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New Brighton Pier
Opawa Road 308, ATLC lived here 1972-1976-ish
The historic railway station in Ferrymead.
The Fool of the Arts Centre, on Worcester Blvd.
