day one: christchurch to timaru
Key
- Destinations
- Apex Locations
“Well,” says Bob, as we leave Christchurch airport where we’ve kicked off the day
with an early morning visit to the Antarctic Centre, “those explorers are hardy
types but I bet they love those Hägglunds!” Rather taken with our simulated ride
at the centre, he continues to relive the experience as we leave town and drive
south on SH1 across the southern Canterbury plains to Ashburton and on to Temuka,
a small town whose famous pottery has made its way into most NZ homes. At the Temuka
Pottery Factory Shop we check out the stylish hand decorated terracotta pottery
and enjoy an early lunch at its new, airy café.
Further south, in Timaru, we’re greeted by a striking piazza overlooking Caroline
Bay’s popular sandy beach and fairgrounds. A flight of stairs cascade down to the
bay but we continue along the main street past several fine local bluestone and
Edwardian buildings to the information centre housed inside the historic Landing
Service Building. Here we decide to spend the afternoon in Pleasant Point, a 15-minute
drive inland, after exploring the highlights of Timaru.
Bob humours me with a walk through the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden where we lose
ourselves in the heady fragrance of 529 named old rose varieties, and then we explore
Aigantighe Art Gallery’s amazing exhibits of NZ art and sculpture. At Pleasant Point
I agree, somewhat reluctantly, to accompany Bob on a trip down memory lane aboard
the world’s only Model T Ford Railcar. It turns out to be great fun, but I tune
out as Bob discusses the minute details of the restoration process with our friendly
driver.
We disembark at Keanes Crossing, where we’re lead through a museum whose highlights
include a Steam Locomotive AB699, a Steam Locomotive D16 (circa 1878), and NZ’s
only birdcage carriage, with pleated upholstery and a handcrafted kauri interior.
While Bob pores over beautifully restored engines and equipment, I wait it out in
the Old Time Movie Theatre watching fascinating historical footage. Finally I track
Bob down. He’s outside caressing the Model T. “Well,” I say, “I’m ready for a custard
square.” “A what?” says Bob distractedly. “Flaky pastry, creamy custard, lashings
of icing,” I say offhandedly. Vintage engine abruptly abandoned, Bob propels me
back into the railcar...
please click the link to download the full Christchurch to Dunedin scenic drive, courtesy of apex
car rentals new zealand... the kiwi way
to read more extracts from our driving holiday's guidebook please click on any of
the following links:
north island scenic drives
south island scenic drives