Scouting Jobs in Christchurch and Ashburton in Winter

After the traveling for 11 days, my friend Yen and I stayed in Christchurch for a week and we attempted to find some casual jobs. We wanted to stay and work in Christchurch, both of us didn't get any offer except the work from mussel factory though. Urrrh...we couldn't endure the sting smell, so we only tried one day and called an end. During the period, we also helped in hostels in exchange for accommodation. However, we didn't like cleaning works so much, so we looked for other changes.

Before long, I had another chance to work but it’s in Ashburton, a town about an hour drive from Christchurch. The offer was not bad and I accepted it. At least I knew that I have an opportunity to explore another place in South Island. 

I still remember that I spent the first snowy day in Christchurch, so excited! Looking out from the window, children were playing snows happily. Few days later, I left this beautiful city to Asburton for a new work.

On the bus, I saw snows everywhere and they made stunning snowy sceneries that I had never seen before.

When I just arrived in Ashburton after an hour journey, it’s only 3 degrees Celsius :0

3 degree Celsius in the morning in Ashburton

Car topped with sonws

Returning to Christchurch from Lake Tekapo (Day 11)

On the last day of our itinerary, we spent the morning hours in Lake Tekapo. It’s actually not much traveling on the last day. I drove the car on the State Highway return to Christchuch. Christchurch is one of the stations where we could drop the car to the rental company.

When we reached the city of Christchurch, it’s about late afternoon. We checked in a backpacker hostel then we cleaned the rented car a bit before we returned the car on the next day, in the hope that we won't get charges for the car dirt.

Both of us had so many clothes to clean and things to pack. We’re tired after the long trip, especially me, as the only driver along the journey. At the same time, we also felt a little down owing to the end of traveling. It meant that we need to find some jobs again and save some money before we could have another trip. Traveling is never enough for us, lol!

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.