New Zealand: Christchurch January 20th-21st

Looking like a natural Hagglund rider

Cathedral

I woke up the next morning with my tummy feeling ready to hit the waters again in search of sperm whales. However, this time the weather did not cooperate. Although our whale tour was cancelled, we would not miss the opportunity at a hot spring pool complex. With natural sulfur springs, aqua therapy, water slides and more, it was just what the doctor ordered. We continued the winding journey through quaint little New Zealand towns until we reached Christchurch, the largest city on the south island. Unfortunately, Christchurch would be home for only one short day, but we made sure to make the most of every moment. Staying right in Cathedral Square, a short walk from hotel would find you right in the middle of the World Busker’s Festival. Now being a Chicago girl, I was in the dark on the whole “busking” concept, but quickly realized that it is your typical big city street performer. With every corner turned, another street performer displaying their talents—quite the entertainment.

Surviving the Antarctic storm

Christchurch prides itself in being the “Aerial Gateway to the Antarctic” as the US, Australia, New Zealand and Italy maintain air force bases and numerous hangers full of planes ready to depart for Antarctica when necessary. As a result, Christchurch has the largest Antarctic Center in the world—ready to expose visitors to life on Antarctica with blizzard storm simulation rooms, the 4D Ice Voyage experience theater, and more. Of course, this would be a stop for our group. Within minutes of arriving, we were aboard the Hagglund, the Antarctic all purpose vehicle. My knuckles whitened as we took on 45 degree angle hills, drove over a 2 level house sized hill and floated through a large river in the car, with the option to climb out the top. Once inside, we geared up for the Antarctic Storm room, getting to temperatures of -30° with blistering wind chills and heavy snow fall. After going down the ice slide for the second time and holding Sam up over and over to face the wind chill machine, my sanity kicked in a bit. Having avoided cold temperatures and snow for 6 months of this journey, what the hell was I doing? I took off the parka and overboots, determined to thoroughly enjoy the educational exhibits for the rest of the day. A trip to Antarctica wouldn’t be complete with penguins—and the blue penguin center confirmed my love for these tuxedo waddlers. After the 4D Ice Voyage movie, a Planet Earth documentary on the frozen continent, and loads of exhibits, we hopped on the Penguin Express bus and headed back to the hotel. Little did we know that the party hadn’t even started yet!

Birthday dinner!

Our crew loaded in the people mover (taxi for 6!) and headed to an undisclosed location, ready to celebrate Tim’s birthday. The wait staff greeted us at Pescatore with a tray full of shot glasses. Tim thought vodka shooters, but in fact they were delicious bright pink raspberry fruit compote pallet cleansers. Yum and yum. We enjoyed a wonderful multi course dinner, celebrating Tim, opening presents and all taking a Tim Trivia Quiz (which I rocked!). The entire restaurant joined in for a rowdy rendition of Happy Birthday as the massive birthday cake emerged from the kitchen! Off to bed for an early morning train departure to the west coast of New Zealand :)