A day we actually got to sleep in. Hanmer Springs is known
for its thermal pools. At 9am we made our way over for a tour of the facility
and then had time to enjoy the fourteen open air pools. Set in a natural
landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, a natural place to unwind. At
11am we went down the block and had lunch at Malabar Restaurant.
The other activity for this area is jet boating on the Waiau
River. You jet through narrow gorges, white water rapids and braided shallows.
Much more open river then the Shotover
Jet in Queenstown but still a thrill doing the 360 degree spins made
famous by the jet boat invented in New Zealand! Being Fall it was a bit cold
with the wind chill but still enjoyable.
We then drove about 90 minutes towards Christchurch. We stop
at the Ke Tae Maori Cultural Center. When we first arrived we walked around the
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. We then had a guided Kiwi and bird Tour. Following
that we took part in an interactive Cultural Experience based in the natural surroundings
of Willowbank. We moved into a concert arena and learned first hand waiata
(love songs) poi & haka. Then we enjoyed the 4 course meal with a
contemporary take on Hangi cooked mains.
We then continued into the city of Christchurch and checked
into the Hotel Montreal. Overlooking Cramner Square and situated on the edge of
the tranquil Hagley Park, this is Christchurch’s newest luxury boutique hotel.
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