A Week in Christchurch

Back in late September 2019, Hannah and I started planning a trip to Christchurch in the South Island with a group dancers, parents and Hannah's dance teacher, to attend Dance Days, a week of dancing workshops for BDO Dance (British Dance Organisation) to be held in the second week of the NZ July school holidays. Fast forward six months, we really didn't know if it wasn't going to go ahead until it definitely confirmed in early June.  

We had an absolute blast, even though there were restrictions for parents entering the school, the yearly concert being cancelled and the girls having to stay for the full day, 8.30am to 5.30pm.  It was a week filled with lots of chilly days, laughter, fun, sight seeing, good coffee, shopping and visiting op shops, making new friends (me), cooking meals and washing dishes, so many dishes as we self catered all the meals for the group.

We flew from Palmerston North airport late afternoon Saturday 11th July and arrived in Christchurch to the most gorgeous sunset.

Sunday was a free day for everyone and the sun was out so we took a long walk around Hagley Park then onto the Westfield Riccarton Mall for the rest of the day.

On Monday Hannah started her week of ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and contemporary dance workshops. Early starts and long days but she had a wonderful time, so much learning and experience for her. All the girls did so well, looking after each other and encouraging one another.

I was able to easy fill my time before cooking duties started, lol, each day.The weather earlier in the week was great, a lot colder than home but the sun was out. Later in the week the sky clouded over and we had a fair bit of rain but mostly at night.

I've never been to Christchurch before so I was eager to see as much as I can.

One of the days we took a trip up the Gondola, what an experience.

Lyttleton Harbour

Looking back over the city

Of course, the city is a lot quieter without any tourists around but there are still many people out and about.

Work being done on the new Christchurch Convention Centre.

We absolutely loved the Riverside Market and went back here several times during the week.

One night we all went out for dessert, oh yum

Soon the week had passed by and it was time to head home. We flew back into Palmerston North late Saturday afternoon, the flight back was only 1 hour 15 minutes.  A fabulous week and Hannah is already looking forward to Dance Days 2021!