Christchurch (Begin), August 2020.

Having spent the previous six months stuck in Hamilton due to the viral pandemic, it was with great excitement as we boarded our flight to Christchurch.

Almost over our disappointment of the cancellation of overseas travel to the UK and Europe, we were looking forward to seeing Scott and Eva, then travelling south to the ski fields of Tekapo, Ohau and Wanaka.

Our accommodation was Rydges Latimer Hotel, very conveniently located in the central city. When in Christchurch, we always visit the iconic Ballantynes department store, plus the boutique “Tannery” in Woolston. Purchases were made!

Saturday morning we visited the Lyttelton food and craft markets, then lunch in Sumner and a walk along the Beach. Dinner the previous evening was at Formaggios, an Italian restaurant in Beckenham. Saturday dinner was at MoriMori Japanese restaurant in Sydenham. Both were excellent.

After a hearty breakfast at our favourite C1 Espresso in High Street, we jumped in our hired Subaru Forester, and made tracks for Tekapo.