A brief, four day stay in Christchurch was dual purpose. Firstly, a catch up with son Scott and partner Eva, and to see the great Lloyd Cole live in concert.
Cole had commercial success in the ‘80’s with his band the “Commotions”, and has released a number of solo albums over the years. He has just released a new album, and the set features songs from the album, plus many from the past.
The concert is in two parts, with a solo Cole and acoustic guitar for 45 minutes, then a 20 minute break. After the break, he is joined by former “Commotion”, Neil Clark, also on acoustic guitar. Cole is in fine form, with his dead pan and slightly sarcastic banter, most amusing.
The concert is in the recently refurbished Town Hall, in the intimate James Hay theatre. About a thousand fans were treated to great comfort, plus tremendous sound and acoustics.
A walk through Hagley Park, and an explore of the central city followed the next morning. Since our last visit, the Riverside Market is now up and running. On the corner of Cashel and Litchfield Streets, it takes up the area of the old start up Container Mall. With a mixture of food stalls, cafes and bars, it is a huge hit with the punters. This, combined with more shopping and the Oxford Terrace bars and restaurants, the city was vibrant. Great to see!
Lunch with Scott and Eva at the always excellent “Little Poms”, and a catch up with their news and plans.
For dinner that evening we headed back to the Riverside Market, and upstairs to the “Castro”. A Spanish themed bar and restaurant, the food was great, and reasonably priced.
For our final full day in Christchurch, Sue and I decided a decent walk was required. Having read the “Sign of the Takahe” has recently reopened, we decided to visit for lunch.
The Sign of the Takahe
After a very nice lunch, we walked up to Victoria Park. From here, there are a number of walking track options around and over the Port Hills. We chose a track which took us to a car park, just short of the transmitter tower on Sugar Loaf. We then followed a track which lead us to the Sign of the Kiwi, and a well earned ice-cream.
Sugar Loaf 
The Sign of the Kiwi
Our return to the Sign of the Takahe was down the Harry Ell track, a walk of about 40 minutes.
Lyttelton Harbour 
An impressive restoration
Our return to the city was via Governors Bay, Lyttelton and over the recently reopened road over the hill to Sumner.
Our evening dining for our final night was the Pegasus Arms on Oxford Terrace. We were joined by Scott and Eva, and were impressed by the food and atmosphere.
A most enjoyable stay in Christchurch, finished with breakfast at the always excellent Cafe 1851 on Armagh Street.