Dodging dragons on river ride
Drifting down Christchurch’s Avon River in a wooden boat spotting dragons, animals and mythological creatures sounds more like a scene from a fantasy film than reality.
Lights that resemble electric eels and a dragon making its way downstream will not be the only things inhabiting the river as, for the first time since the earthquakes, Cantabrians will be able to punt through the South Island Lantern Festival this weekend and glide between Worcester St and a new drop-off location at Victoria Square, near the Town Hall.
The Worcester Bridge dock has been closed since the earthquake, finally reopening this week.
Michael Esposito, managing director of Welcome Aboard, the organisation that runs the Christchurch gondola, the Botanic Gardens tour and Hanmer Springs Attractions as well as trips on the Avon, said punting operations had been disrupted several times since the earthquakes.
‘‘We’ve been open off and on, off and on . . . it’s good to get it back up and running.’’
The firm halted rides until construction in the surrounding areas slowed and things were back ‘‘up to a standard we were happy to share.’’
Esposito said during the festival, three flat-bottomed punting boats decorated with fairy lights and hanging lanterns will run 15-minute trips. This year’s festival kicks off today, with the route starting at the Bridge of Remembrance and heading down the City Promenade into Victoria Square and The Commons. More than 40,000 people are expected to flood the streets over the three nights. The 15th instalment of the festival rounds off a month of celebrating Christchurch’s growing relationship with China, highlighted with Chinese New Year celebrations and the array of Asian cuisine at North Hagley Park’s Night Noodle Markets.
Last year was the first time the lantern festival had been held in the central city since the 2011 earthquakes, when it was forced to move to Hagley Park, leaving some of the large crowd disappointed with the cramped conditions. ChristchurchNZ destination and attraction general manager Loren Heaphy said this year’s route was bigger, with ‘‘lots of walking space alongside the beautiful river’’.
Food vendors will be dotted along the route and better signs will help people find their way around. Punting trips will be available from today to Sunday. All tickets need to be pre-booked. Tickets are available at the Christchurch i-SITE at the Arts Centre, or by emailing info@christchurchnz.com.