Unfortunately, the main museum was closed for renovation when I was there, so there's just a small…read morepop-up museum at 66 Gloucester Street in the meantime. Given the quality of the exhibits in the pop-up version, i was even more disappointed to miss the main museum! From the suit of armor stove to the full scale replica of a Maori meetinghouse made from yarn, this was a delightful stop!

I really enjoyed this small local museum in Christchurch…read more After arriving in town way too early in the morning, and wandering the neighboring botanical gardens, I entered the museum right as it opened. Opened in 1870, this elegant building was designed by B W Mountfort. Constructed of local grey basalt with rhyolite facings. Throughout time there have been several additions. But the main entrance still holds its stature. The Decorative Arts room was my favorite. As I stood in the doorway in awe of the rich dark carved wood, wood floor, and chandelier, an employee told me I was standing in the original main hall of the museum. As they are currently starting a remodel, I turned to him and said, "I hope they leave this room alone. It is simply gorgeous." It is true piece of time and craftsmanship. Some of the galleries were already closed while there. I did visit - Haast's collection of moa bones. This was one giant bird. Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian antiquities. Sculptures and bronze ornaments from the London International Exhibition of 1871. The Oldman Collection of Polynesian and Maori Artifacts. Fred and Myrtle's Paua Shell House. That was an interesting story. The museum has a great colonial collections of clothing, furniture, household items, stamps, artworks, architectural plans, maps, photographs, diaries, personal papers and publications. It even replicated a colonial street of shops full of wares. Nice touch. Allow a couple of hours Afterwards head to The Arts Centre. (Check that review) The world's largest collection of Moa bones

At the center of Cathedral Square in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Cathedral was built between…read more1864 and 1904, to be the mother church (and seat of the Bishop) of the Anglican diocese of Christchurch. It was severely damaged during the earthquake of 2011 and is currently inaccessible. It is intended to be reinstated, but repairs continue to be on hold because of lack of funding. Since it is at the center of the Square, much of the surrounding square is also inaccessible, fenced by scaffolding and other construction.

Church was damaged by the 2010 earthquake & the damage was extensive. We couldn't get too close as…read morethe church was under wraps, covered in scaffolding and behind fencing. Trucks came in and out of the area and we heard the sounds of a lot of machinery. We went to the fourth floor at the library and went outside to view the damage from above. The whole area around Cathedral Square had visible damage. Many buildings were boarded up and others had construction equipment nearby.

The lighthouse has limited opening times but if you are on a cruise ship it is likely it will open…read morewhen it ship is in port. We chose walk around Akaroa rather than find our way to Christchurch and were not disappointed. The lighthouse has been moved to this location and the story of its dismantling and restoration is an interesting read. The steps are tight to get to the top and the "balcony" around the top of the lighthouse is made of slats that you can see through. The view is terrific. You make a donation to visit and you might be lucky enough to wind the mechanism.

This war memorial arch was unveiled on Armistice Day (November 11) in 1924. It is an appropriate…read morelocation as the King Edwards Barracks are west of here and soldiers crossed the bridge here to reach the railway station in Moorhouse Avenue. The Cashel Street bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic for some time. It has since expanded from a remembrance of those who fought in the Great War, but also the Second World War and Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. Look for the inscription across the main arch, Quid non-pro patria. There are also crosses, torches, a coat of arms and unit memorials. Too many features to list. It is a powerful memorial and worth stopping to visit. [Review 381 of 2024 - 34 in New Zealand - 21414 overall]

Christchurch's version of a war memorial…read more Located on the Avon River on the west edge of the downtown area. Unveiled in 1924 as a dedication to those who died in World War I. Now serves as a memorial for Australians who participated in two World Wars, and the as conflicts in Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. The Bridge of Remembrance sustained some damage in the 2011 earthquake. Repairs and strengthening were made, and it was rededicated on Anzac Day in 2016. The center of the stone arch has a Latin inscription- What will a man not do for his country? And adorned with symbolic reliefs a cross, torches, coat of arms, laurel wreaths, and rosemary. Two larger than life stone lions guard each side of the arch.

The Peninsula War Memorial is located on Beach Road in the township of Akaroa New Zealand…read more New Zealand has sent a large numbers of brave men & women oversea to the Western Front at the battle of Gallipoli during WWl, as well as WWll & South Africa . The foundation stone on this monument was first laid on March 31, 1922. The Gothic Pavillion was designed by H. St. Murray to honor all those whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names are inscribed on stone tablets within the monument. This monument could not have been placed in a better location. Over looking the French Bay/ palm trees swaying/ beautiful gardens/ easy access. Oh yeah! This is the perfect location! Live/Love/Travel !

Akaroa Head Lighthouse is located in the township of Akaroa. Akaroa was the only French settlement…read morein New Zealand. French heritages can still be found throughout the township. Street names in French/ French cuisine as well as French colonial architecture. The wooden Akaroa Lighthouse was built on the Akaroa Head in 1880, where it stayed for 100 years. In 1980 the lighthouse was automated and relocated in the township of Akaroa. The lighthouse is only a short distace from the information Center on the pier and can easily be reached on foot. There are so many wondetful things to see and do in the township of Akaroa, but visiting the lighthouse with my bestie made this trip extra special ! Thanks for reading ! Live/Love/Travel ! .

Loved this short stop at the Sign of the Takahe…read more Sign of the Takahe is a neo-Gothic style historic building that was built as a rest and refreshment stop for the walking trails of Port Hills that overlook Christchurch and Lyttelton. It is one of four planned stops. The others included the Sign of the Kiwi, the Sign of the Bellbird and the Sign of the Packhorse. Construction began in 1918, but took another 30 years to complete. The building is named after the endemic flightless native bird, the Takahe. Built during the Great Depression, cost savings were implemented. Local stone was quarried and then hand chiseled into blocks. The heavy Kauri wood beams in the entrance hall were salvaged from a former bridge. The timber ceilings came from packing cases. The fireplace is an exact replica from historic Haddon Hall in Derbyshire. Walk along the paved walk to breathe on the crisp morning air and enjoy a beautiful view overlooking Christchurch. Thanks to our tour guide, Scotty, for this magical experience.

Signs are out saying it's open. It's not. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Clearly someone is too lazy…read moreto bring the signs in for the restaurant/gift shop. The views are stunning. It's worth the drive for that alone.