I'm a pretty useless golfer, so therefore I've always been too scared to go to a "real" golf course for fear of having others laugh at me. But, DILEMMA!, I like golf... so what to do? Where to go?
Well, the answer (in my eyes anyway) is the Ascot Golf Course (now known as QE2 Golf Course, so I see) at (where else) QE2 Park!
Par 3! (i.e. "easy"!) Cheap as chips! (i.e. $12 on a weekend, $10 during the week). Has a bar! (Say no more).
Okay, this ISN'T for kids. I tried to take my 3 year old and 2 year old along with me once - it didn't work so well. I pushed the buggy with the 2 year old in it as well as my golf trundler, and that was okay. But my 3 year old, after the novelty wore off, had had enough at around the 7th hole. Cue a 9 hole game only.
BUT, I've seen lots of older kids playing this course - I reckon anyone from about 10 upwards would really enjoy this.
It normally takes me about 3 hours all up to play 18 holes. The course is really nice with plenty of unexpected wildlife along the way. (Duck! Chicken! Goose!)
Don't have golf clubs? No problems - you can hire them for $10. Don't have the foggiest idea what you're doing? Again, no problems. You can either get tuition, OR you can just remember golfers' etiquette... if people are backed up behind you LET THEM PLAY THROUGH! No-one will really care if you take all day as long as you don't hold them up.
QE2 also has a mini golf course (I haven't yet experienced it, I'll add it to the list) and a Golf Driving Range (actually - this is something the younger kids WILL enjoy. Well, mine do anyway.) I'll be talking about these places later in the year.
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Groynes
There were five of us - myself, a couple of four year olds and a couple of five year olds. It was a hot stinking day - it got to about 35 degrees celsius and the nor'wester was howling. What to do? Where to go?
Well, I think most sane people would have stayed indoors in the cool and calm, but we went to the Groynes.
Okay, now that you've stopped making silly jokes about the place's name (yes yes, we've all been there, done that), the Groynes is actually not a bad place to be on a hot day.
For a start, there's HEAPS of shade. Trees, trees, trees. A couple of little playground areas. Lots of little lakes and waterways.
The Groynes is really one big ol' picnic spot. Go there any weekend or public holiday during the summer and you'll be one amongst thousands of others with their rugs out under a shady tree.
For all of that, there's not much else to do, except picnic, take a walk on the various trails, or hire one of the little boats. You can also fish there if you have a permit.
If you have a dog, the Groynes even has its own dedicated Dog Park. I don't have a dog, so haven't been over to that side of the park to take a look, but I'm sure the dogs love being able to run free.
There's plenty of birdlife to be seen - the ubiquitous ducks, a few geese, some swans, and some of these little critters.
In the end myself and the four little ones had a nice couple of hours at the Groynes. We ate sandwiches under a shady tree then played in the playground. I then devised a scavenger hunt for them (Things to find: white feather, wiggly stick, pointy leaf, etc; Things to see: someone fishing, a boat, a swan, etc...) and we headed off on the 1.5km loop track. The track was in shade for most of the time so it was fine. The kids' little legs kept getting tired, so I had to use the age-old Bribe Technique of promising a sweetie "at the next bridge!" (I mean, what madperson goes on an outing with four little children and does NOT pack bribes into her bag?).
After two hours in the heat of the day we'd definitely had enough. We were going to buy an ice-cream at the kiosk on our way out, but I only had 60 cents in my wallet, which definitely wasn't enough. Oh well, another sweetie!
Off Johns Road, just off State Highway 1 heading north out of the city
Hours: daylight hours
Cost: free (although you can pay to use the coin-operated barbecues if you want)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Botanic Gardens playground
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens playground is CLASSIC. I have photos of myself, aged 3 years old, playing happily there. It is practically a Christchurch institution.
These days the playground is a bit safer than it used to be - heaps of sturdy plastic equipment, plenty of soft mats to fall on, and NO roundabouts (have you noticed that every playground in Christchurch is slowly but surely becoming roundabout bereft? Not that I'm particularly upset, as I've spent many a worrying moment watching toddlers attempt to board a speeding one). But the playground STILL has the wonderful toddler pools and is still situated in a gorgeous and central part of town.
The good things:
These days the playground is a bit safer than it used to be - heaps of sturdy plastic equipment, plenty of soft mats to fall on, and NO roundabouts (have you noticed that every playground in Christchurch is slowly but surely becoming roundabout bereft? Not that I'm particularly upset, as I've spent many a worrying moment watching toddlers attempt to board a speeding one). But the playground STILL has the wonderful toddler pools and is still situated in a gorgeous and central part of town.
The good things:
- The pools. There are two pools - one bigger and deeper for the older children (it's about 70 or 80cm at its deepest, at my guess) and a smaller shallower one for the babies and toddlers (about 10 or 20cm deep). These are only filled in the summertime, so remember to bring your togs on those hot nor'wester days!
- The equipment. There are two areas - one specifically aimed at toddlers, which is handy as you don't end up getting your just-walking one year old knocked over by rambunctious eight year olds, and the other is a general play area with the usual swings, slides and monkey bars.
- The Botanic Gardens in the centre of the city - you're right there. It's a lovely setting and SO easy to wander off with the kids on a nature walk.
- The ice-cream shop attached to the kiosk.
- The places to sit and have a picnic - plenty of seating around the place and heaps of grassed areas to lay out a picnic rug.
- The toilets - only a short walk away.
- Car parking - plenty of free carparks in Hagley Park - take the Armagh Street/Rolleston Ave entrance.
- For those with disabled children, there is also a special wheelchair friendly swing - I've never seen it being used but at least it's there.
- The ducks from the nearby Avon River. Remember to take some bread! The kids LOVE feeding the ducks, and in spring you have the added bonus of ducklings.
The bad things:
- The ducks. Don't feed them IN the playground area if you can help it, as they end up pooing all the over the place. Watch where you sit.
- In the winter try to avoid the playground before about 11am, or else you'll find all the equipment is covered in dew. It's a bit tragic to have upset kids wondering why their backsides are wet when the sun is shining.
This place is really popular during weekday mornings with mothers' groups, as the preschoolers have the run of the place while the older kids are at school. Bring your own thermos of coffee or buy a cappuccino and a slice at the nearby kiosk cafe - even better on a cold winter's morning as they have an open fire.
Make sure you take the time to stand on the footbridge leading to the carpark and look for trout and eels in the river below. And if you have an extra ten minutes walk the 100m or so over to Victoria Lake and watch the old men playing with their remote control yachts - the kids love this!
THE LOWDOWN:
Cost: Free!
Location: Botanical Gardens, in Hagley Park. Either walk through the gardens going West from the Museum entrance, or drive into the Armagh Street entrance and park in the carpark and then head over the footbridge - the playground is just there.
Hours: The gates are open during daylight hours.
Suitable for: Everyone!
Allow: as much time as you have - half an hour is okay, but three hours and a picnic is better.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Swimming at the CCC pools
Swimming - perfect for those hot sunny days when you just need to cool off, but also great for those cold winter days when the thought of a hot spa and sauna makes your toes tingle with anticipation.
Christchurch has plenty of great pools, but I'm only going to write about the ones I go to regularly - QE2, Centennial and Pioneer.
My favourite is DEFINITELY QE2. It is amazing value for money!
There's the 50m lap pool. The diving pool. The preschooler's pool. And then there's the main leisure pool, complete with Pirate Ship (with nice little water slides perfect for the little kids), lazy river (with crazy whirlpools), and REAL LIVE WAVES every half hour or so (my kids' eyes nearly popped out of their heads when the waves first started on our first visit - they'd never had so much fun!).
And then there's the spa pools, the sauna and the steam room. Mmmmmm.
Oh, and did I mention the hydroslides? These have a minimum age limit (not entirely sure what it is) and you have to pay extra, but from what my nieces and nephews say, they're well worth the cost. (I haven't yet had the chance to experience the hydroslides, but that's because my kids are too young to leave them unattended!).
Anyway, so QE2. Crazily good value. Myself, my 5 year old and my 4 year old get in for $5. Yes, you heard me right. $5 for ALL THREE OF US.
Of course, if I were to go all by myself it'd cost about $5 as well. But then at least I'd get to actually go into the lap pool, do a few laps, then chill out in the spa, sauna and steam rooms without having to keep eagle eyes on my two little ones.
The only con I can think of with QE2 is the location - WAY out in deepest darkest... ummmm, what is it? Burwood? North Brighton? Queenspark? One of those Northern suburbs anyway.
So, if you're stuck in town, without transport, then head to the Centennial!
It's right in the central city, and it also has a kid's pool (with lazy river), a lap pool, a spa, a sauna and a steam room. Again, such good value and only five minutes walk from Cathedral Square.
The only "con" with the Centennial is that, being in the central city, you have to pay for parking.
And if you're out in the southern suburbs? Then the Pioneer's the place for you. The facilities are pretty much the same as the Centennial, but the parking is FREE (as is QE2, in case you hadn't realised).
There are heaps more pools in Christchurch, including some outdoor ones, but these are the ones we like to go to.
As I have both a boy and a girl, another bonus is the family changing rooms in these places. My 5 year old son is telling me that NO WAY is he going to be getting buck naked in the GIRLS' changing rooms anymore (fair enough), and NO WAY am I letting him go to the BOYS' changing rooms all by himself. So these wee private family changing rooms (complete with private shower) are a godsend. All the CCC pools have them.
Oh, and if you're that way inclined, these pools all have gyms associated with them and they do awesome packages that include unlimited pool and gym use. Great value!
THE LOWDOWN:
Cost:
Adults $5, Child $2.50, Parent with preschooler $2.50 (so it's cheaper for you to go with your little one than to go by yourself!). There are plenty of other prices so check the website for info.
Hours:
Generally between 7am and 8pm.
Location:
Check the website!
Suitable for:
EVERYONE!
Allow:
A couple of hours - or at least until your fingers and toes have gone pruney.
My rating: 9 out of 10
Christchurch has plenty of great pools, but I'm only going to write about the ones I go to regularly - QE2, Centennial and Pioneer.
My favourite is DEFINITELY QE2. It is amazing value for money!
There's the 50m lap pool. The diving pool. The preschooler's pool. And then there's the main leisure pool, complete with Pirate Ship (with nice little water slides perfect for the little kids), lazy river (with crazy whirlpools), and REAL LIVE WAVES every half hour or so (my kids' eyes nearly popped out of their heads when the waves first started on our first visit - they'd never had so much fun!).
And then there's the spa pools, the sauna and the steam room. Mmmmmm.
Oh, and did I mention the hydroslides? These have a minimum age limit (not entirely sure what it is) and you have to pay extra, but from what my nieces and nephews say, they're well worth the cost. (I haven't yet had the chance to experience the hydroslides, but that's because my kids are too young to leave them unattended!).
Anyway, so QE2. Crazily good value. Myself, my 5 year old and my 4 year old get in for $5. Yes, you heard me right. $5 for ALL THREE OF US.
Of course, if I were to go all by myself it'd cost about $5 as well. But then at least I'd get to actually go into the lap pool, do a few laps, then chill out in the spa, sauna and steam rooms without having to keep eagle eyes on my two little ones.
The only con I can think of with QE2 is the location - WAY out in deepest darkest... ummmm, what is it? Burwood? North Brighton? Queenspark? One of those Northern suburbs anyway.
So, if you're stuck in town, without transport, then head to the Centennial!
It's right in the central city, and it also has a kid's pool (with lazy river), a lap pool, a spa, a sauna and a steam room. Again, such good value and only five minutes walk from Cathedral Square.
The only "con" with the Centennial is that, being in the central city, you have to pay for parking.
And if you're out in the southern suburbs? Then the Pioneer's the place for you. The facilities are pretty much the same as the Centennial, but the parking is FREE (as is QE2, in case you hadn't realised).
There are heaps more pools in Christchurch, including some outdoor ones, but these are the ones we like to go to.
As I have both a boy and a girl, another bonus is the family changing rooms in these places. My 5 year old son is telling me that NO WAY is he going to be getting buck naked in the GIRLS' changing rooms anymore (fair enough), and NO WAY am I letting him go to the BOYS' changing rooms all by himself. So these wee private family changing rooms (complete with private shower) are a godsend. All the CCC pools have them.
Oh, and if you're that way inclined, these pools all have gyms associated with them and they do awesome packages that include unlimited pool and gym use. Great value!
THE LOWDOWN:
Cost:
Adults $5, Child $2.50, Parent with preschooler $2.50 (so it's cheaper for you to go with your little one than to go by yourself!). There are plenty of other prices so check the website for info.
Hours:
Generally between 7am and 8pm.
Location:
Check the website!
Suitable for:
EVERYONE!
Allow:
A couple of hours - or at least until your fingers and toes have gone pruney.
My rating: 9 out of 10
Willowbank
Willowbank, aah, Willowbank. My family has a serious love affair with Willowbank.
Before I had kids my knowledge of Willowbank was minimal. I'd been there once in the evening for dinner at the restaurant in 1996. It was my sister's 16th birthday, plus the night that myself and the husband (then he was simply a British tourist I fancied) decided "officially" to tie the knot. Maybe it was the romance of Willowbank that clinched it for us?
Anyway, a few years down the track the kids arrived en masse. (Well, okay, en duo, if you will). Suddenly we rediscovered Willowbank.
Willowbank is FANTASTIC for preschoolers. All the paths are stroller/pram-friendly (which also means that they're wheelchair friendly as well, in case that's an issue for you). You never have to walk for very long to come across the next animal attraction - very handy for keeping the little ones interested.
We rediscovered Willowbank when my son (now 5) was about 3 (although I'd recommend the place to anyone, children or no children, and even babies after the age of about 6 months seem to enjoy seeing the animals). After one visit we realised what a hit it was and immediately bought annual passes - EXCELLENT VALUE. We now visit on a monthly basis, and dependent on the weather there's always something new to see. (I remember once going when it was raining - we had the park almost to ourselves and WOW! Suddenly all the animals that are usually so shy on a sunny day were out in force.)
The other good thing about having an annual pass (and thus going regularly throughout the year) is that you can visit during each season, which is great from a "cycle of life" perspective. We've seen ducklings, baby pukekos, goslings, lambs, and my absolute favourite - the Kunekune piglets (always at this time of year there's a sign up saying they're for sale, and I'm always SORELY tempted).
Our favourite parts of Willowbank:
Okay, so no place is perfect, right? Well, yes. There are a couple of things I DON'T like about Willowbank.
Before I had kids my knowledge of Willowbank was minimal. I'd been there once in the evening for dinner at the restaurant in 1996. It was my sister's 16th birthday, plus the night that myself and the husband (then he was simply a British tourist I fancied) decided "officially" to tie the knot. Maybe it was the romance of Willowbank that clinched it for us?Anyway, a few years down the track the kids arrived en masse. (Well, okay, en duo, if you will). Suddenly we rediscovered Willowbank.
Willowbank is FANTASTIC for preschoolers. All the paths are stroller/pram-friendly (which also means that they're wheelchair friendly as well, in case that's an issue for you). You never have to walk for very long to come across the next animal attraction - very handy for keeping the little ones interested.
We rediscovered Willowbank when my son (now 5) was about 3 (although I'd recommend the place to anyone, children or no children, and even babies after the age of about 6 months seem to enjoy seeing the animals). After one visit we realised what a hit it was and immediately bought annual passes - EXCELLENT VALUE. We now visit on a monthly basis, and dependent on the weather there's always something new to see. (I remember once going when it was raining - we had the park almost to ourselves and WOW! Suddenly all the animals that are usually so shy on a sunny day were out in force.)The other good thing about having an annual pass (and thus going regularly throughout the year) is that you can visit during each season, which is great from a "cycle of life" perspective. We've seen ducklings, baby pukekos, goslings, lambs, and my absolute favourite - the Kunekune piglets (always at this time of year there's a sign up saying they're for sale, and I'm always SORELY tempted).
Our favourite parts of Willowbank:
- The Kiwi House - I've been to a few Kiwi Houses in my time and this is BY FAR the best I've ever encountered. On a good day you can see about six kiwis and sometimes they're close enough to touch (but DON'T).
- The Farmyard - splash out and buy some animal food at the front desk. It's fun to feed the llamas, the pigs, the sheep, and especially that rambunctious goat that always gets itself tied up into knots trying to get at the food.
- The Aviary - those kea are fantastic. We once happened upon the aviary when it was kea feeding time, which was very interesting.
- The Eels - again, you can buy food for the eels if you like, but try to catch the eel feeding if you can - lots of interesting information to learn if you ask the right questions!
- The Geese - these are free range geese and actually scare the living daylights out of my kids. But I love them. I also love the free range ducks, pukekos, chickens and peacocks.
Okay, so no place is perfect, right? Well, yes. There are a couple of things I DON'T like about Willowbank.
Firstly, the only toilets are in the main building. I learnt the hard way (with young children) that it's best to remember to GO TO THE TOILET FIRST before you set off around the park. Otherwise you'll end up with kids whining "I need to go WEEEEEEEES! NOW!!!!!!" and you have to quickly race back to the main reception building (or else try to do a sneaky one in the bushes, which I haven't had to resort to YET).
Secondly, the picnic area by the Farmyard isn't really that great. Sure, there are a few tables and chairs scattered around, but the last time we went to Willowbank it was 35 degrees celsius and SWELTERING. NO-ONE was sitting at the tables. Everyone was huddled around the edges of the picnic area trying to get any shade they could find. It was actually extremely uncomfortable. Sure sure, I realise that on a usual Christchurch day the last thing anyone wants is shade, but surely it'd be good to put out some sun umbrellas or at the very least MOVE THE TABLES to somewhere shady on a hot hot day?
But overall, no real complaints. Willowbank is a great day out.
THE LOWDOWN
Cost:
Adults $21, Kids 5 and over $10.50, Seniors $18.00 (current as of today), Under 5's FREE.
Annual pass: Adults $29, Child $19, Family $62 (valid one year from date of purchase).
Hours:
From 10am til late (evening dinner, Maori Cultural Experience and night tours available at night - haven't done it yet, but hope to go this year)
Location:
60 Hussey Road, on the city boundary. Drive yourself or take the Christchurch Best Attractions Bus from Cathedral Square (see website for more info).
Suitable for:
Adults, children, teenagers, preschoolers, seniors, disabled.
Allow:
About 2 - 3 hours, and remember to take a picnic lunch (or else you'll end up having to splash out at the cafe, which isn't the worst thing in the world that can happen).
My rating: 9 out of 10.
What is there to do in Christchurch?
That's the question that a lot of people ask when they come to Christchurch on holiday.
The answer is that there are plenty of things to do in Christchurch. Many of them are well publicised and marketed by the regional tourism organisation, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, but there are also plenty of excellent "hidden secrets" that often only the locals know about.
I've lived in Christchurch for 18 years, on and off, and feel like I know quite a bit about what there is to do. In addition, I've spent more than ten years working in the tourism industry - a lot of that was answering the question "What is there to do in Christchurch?"
I've now got young children, aged 5 and 4, and suddenly a whole new world of "family friendly" attractions have caught my eye. I intend to take my kids and give them all a go. In addition, I'll be reviewing each and every one of them on this blog - and I'll be honest in my assessments. If I think it's fantastic, I'm not saying so because someone is paying me to (because they're not!). If I think it's a waste of time and money, I'll let you know.
I'll be labelling each post with relevant keywords, so if you're interested in something that might be suitable for preschool children then click on the preschooler label to find out what I recommend. Likewise, if you're wanting something free, click on the free label.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog, and I hope you end up enjoying your time in Christchurch!
The answer is that there are plenty of things to do in Christchurch. Many of them are well publicised and marketed by the regional tourism organisation, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, but there are also plenty of excellent "hidden secrets" that often only the locals know about.
I've lived in Christchurch for 18 years, on and off, and feel like I know quite a bit about what there is to do. In addition, I've spent more than ten years working in the tourism industry - a lot of that was answering the question "What is there to do in Christchurch?"
I've now got young children, aged 5 and 4, and suddenly a whole new world of "family friendly" attractions have caught my eye. I intend to take my kids and give them all a go. In addition, I'll be reviewing each and every one of them on this blog - and I'll be honest in my assessments. If I think it's fantastic, I'm not saying so because someone is paying me to (because they're not!). If I think it's a waste of time and money, I'll let you know.
I'll be labelling each post with relevant keywords, so if you're interested in something that might be suitable for preschool children then click on the preschooler label to find out what I recommend. Likewise, if you're wanting something free, click on the free label.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog, and I hope you end up enjoying your time in Christchurch!
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