Set Off from Christchurch to Timaru and Omaru (Day 2)

In the morning after we checked out from the hostel we stayed in Christchurch, we're fresh and excited again to continue our driving journey down to Timaru. In the middle of the journey, we stopped the car at the roadside when we saw some nice views and wanted to take some photos. It's true that I was same as my friend, we liked to take as many photos as possible ;P

In Maori language, Timaru may mean ‘Place of Shelter’ – Te Maru. Timaru is a township belongs to Canterbury Region in South Island and it could be reached through driving along the State Highway 1 from Christchurch. The distance between Christchurch and Timaru is 163km and it takes about 2 1/3 hours.



Timaru downtown


We arrived in Timaru a little earlier than afternoon, so we drove through the town before we got to a cafe for our lunch. That day was 19th May and it’s my birthday as well, I still remember that I had lasagna and milk shake as my birthday lunch with Yen :)

After the lunch, Yen and I had a casual window shopping in downtown, had a nature walk in open parks and also visited the churches as well as premises with beautiful architecture. 

I-site building and the sculpture of Captain Henry Cain in front of the buiding



Steak @ Custom House(Old Customs House) at Strathallan St

St Mary's Anglican Church at Church St

Chalmers Presbyterian Church at Elizaberth St

A relaxing public park for nature walk

Railway across Timaru on the coastline

Timaru was quiet during our visit and I still recall it’s a weekday. We didn't stay overnight in the town as we thought it’s enough for a day walk. Therefore, I continued to drive to the next town Oamaru before the sky was dark.

Owing to late autumn, the day was getting dark really soon. Moreover, the weather was pretty cold. In the halfway of the road journey, I could hardly judge the distance between cars and drive properly due to the fog. All I could do was just followed the rear lights of the car in front and drove slowly. I actually almost couldn't see anything else outside the car except the heavy mist and I told my friend in joke that we as if somewhere in the heaven, lol!

It usually takes 1 hour and 5 minute drive from Timaru to Oamaru. Due to the bad driving condition that we faced on the day, we actually took more than that. It's already dark when we arrived in Oamaru and nothing much we could visit at that night. Still, we noticed that a friend of ours is also traveling and she’s in Oamaru too. Hence, we joined her for couple of hours in the hostel she’s staying. The hostel seemed like a nice accomodation. Anyhow, Yen and I didn't sleep in the hostel at that night as we wanted an attempt to sleep in the vehicle as some other backpackers did. To be frank, it's not really comfortable for us to sleep in the car mainly because the weather during autumn was extremely cold throughout the night
:(

Beautiful Christchurch before The Earthquake

Back to the year of 2008, I was in this beautiful city for my first time. Didn't know much about the facts of Christchurch but I easily fell in love with all things here. The sky, the river, the statues, landmarks, buildings, people, food...

Some said that Christchurch is the heaven for backpackers. One of the best reasons I love about Christchurch is it's so 'live'. I could hardly feel bored hanging out in the city. There is always some events held in the Cathedral Square, where is the hub for most people to meet up.

Just like Melbourne, the trams system embellishes the city of Christchurch and became a great way for tourists to explore the inner city area. As for me, I prefer to explore a new place by walking. Occasionally, I also jumped on a free shutter bus when I felt lazy and tired to walk more.

EARTHQUAKE UPDATE(25 MAY 2012) – The Christchurch tramway & Tramway Restaurant are currently closed! Visit the official website at http://www.tram.co.nz/ to get latest details.

Yes, this is Christchurch Casino. Well, it's fine to have a look inside if you are curious but non too wise to stay for long especially for backpackers. Gambling with our hard earn money is not the real game for backpackers. Christchurch Casino is among the few buildings still operates as usual after the earthquake happened.

 

I personally love architecture and heritage buildings in Christchurch are my favourite.

  

One thing I found Christchurch is so interesting is about the statues. I could see numbers of beautiful statues in the city centre within short distance. I fancy these could be some good landmarks for tourists or strangers to remember in case they got lost.

Isn't it good to enjoy a meal with friend by a riverside? Riverview Buffet Restaurant located at the upper floor of the Oxford On Avon at 794 Colombo St - this is the restaurant which offered great food, good environmet and affordable price. The buffet costed me less than $20 for a decent lunch with international cuisine.

At the Oxford On Avon, I tried a lunch of this a la carte for just $10, which is a pretty good deal, considering the ambience surrounded.

Riverview Buffet Restaurant/Oxford On Avon Restaurant & Bars 

Phone: 03 379 7148

Address: 794, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch City.



Not far from the busy hub, you could find a riverside to sit back and relax, enjoy whatever mood you have.

A contemporary city art gallery, worth a visit. No admission fee. However, It's currently still closed until further notice.

Botanical garden during sunset. The sky was at its most beautiful scene.

I was attracted by all these huge and colourful signage boards, Coffee Queen, Striptease, LG Mart...

This is one of the backpacker hostels I had ever stayed. I would give a thumb up! The location is strategic, it's very near to library and shops. The owners are very nice couples. The condition of the interior was just nice, clean and comfortable.

Unfortunately, this hostel is still closed since the earthquake. Check its website at http://www.coachmanbackpackers.co.nz/ for latest information.

  Hohoho...the guy was caught and served a summons by a police. Riding an extraordinary small motorbike in NZ is forbidden.

Christchurch after The Earthquake...

4/10/11 – I stepped on the land of New Zealand again and i was in Christchurch airport. I flew from Melbourne, Australia while my friend Ichyi flew from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Both of us met up in the airport as planned. Then, we caught a bus to city. It's pretty long time since we last met, so we were excited and kept talking until we realized that we have missed the stop we should get down from the bus. Oops! We were quite a distance from the city centre. Never mind, we used to walk a lot. Both of us carrying our backpack bags, walking along the streets here and there. I felt strange as i could hardly remember the place I had ever been. It's strange for me, indeed. Many roads and buildings were damaged by the merciless earthquake and most areas were blocked with fence.

The church was seriously damaged

No entry is allowed to the affected area

The damage caused by the earthquake was overwhelming

Cracks appeared along the roadside

Holes can be seen along the pathway

Exterior of most of the buildings in the city centre were affected

Those who sacrificed in the earthquake were being remembered

A message left by the cantabrians...

Christchuch was a very stunning city ever and it's my favourite city in south island. However, i didn't see the beautiful scenery anymore, i was feeling blue. Only a few passengers, Christchurch was quiet. The sky was getting dark; i was somewhat panic and tired searching for the backpacker hostel. It's pretty well impossible to see and ask anyone around to guide us. After another few attempts, we saw someone who is able to give us some hints. Finally we reached the hostel and spent a night peacefully before we head to another town the next early morning.