Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations
JACKIE'S JOURNEY
Jackie Norman sold her home in 2016, bought a motorhome and embarked on full-time life of the road with husband, Gareth. In this issue, they take a tour of Christchurch.
This month Jackie and Gareth take a tour of Christchurch
Prior to embarking on a life on the road, we were never fans of cities. That’s probably the understatement of the century, actually. These days, however, we concede that perhaps this was just because we never spent enough time in them before to get a proper feel of the place; its essence, if you like. Even so, when we were required to spend several weeks in Christchurch for work earlier in the year, we still had our reservations. How would we cope being stuck in the city for so long?
The day we arrived, Christchurch was the hottest place in New Zealand. We had no idea where we were going but as it was lunchtime, we parked the van at Latimer Square and proceeded to enjoy a picnic under a shady tree. There was a large gathering further down from us doing the same, and as they began to disperse an elderly lady in a jaunty sunhat came over to us. “What a shame you missed out,” she said. “It’s on every Sunday you know, same time, same place. All the free food you can eat, it’s wonderful. Be sure to get here earlier next time.” “Oh thanks, we will,” we smiled back. What a lovely, kind soul. It wasn’t until we shared the story with a friend who lived just around the corner that he broke into a grin. “That’s the Salvation Army,” he explained. “They have a get-together every week for those who are less fortunate. That lady must have thought you were homeless too!” ‘Well, guess we technically are!” Gareth and I laughed. That was the first insight we had into what a bighearted place our new temporary home was.
FIRST-CLASS FREEDOM
In the weeks which followed, we used the free camping area at Chamberlains Ford, in Leeston as a base. Although a little out of town, it was well worth the few minutes extra for the space, the atmosphere and the facilities. Selwyn Council do an absolutely fantastic job both here and at nearby Coes Ford. They’re both well signposted, with clear, fenced areas, huge rubbish disposal facilities, sinks and clean, well maintained toilets and even free barbecues. Even at the busiest time of year, there was room (and toilets) for all and the atmosphere was always friendly, with plenty of Kiwi motorhomers and tourists alike. We’d stayed there several times on trips passing through and Chamberlains Ford became our home away from home.
MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE
Being there for work as we were, and on a tight schedule, we didn’t have too much of an opportunity to head for the usual tourist spots. However, there was still no shortage of things to do and we thoroughly enjoyed visiting some lesser known places. Gareth was booked to film a couple of animal sanctuaries in the
area, and this was huge fun. Our Hairy Welshman is never happier than when he’s surrounded by snuffling pigs of all shapes and sizes, all vying for his attention.
As for me, I never imagined I would be spending my time in Christchurch weeding, but that’s exactly what I ended up doing – willingly – on a visit to Ōtākaro Orchard, right in the city centre by the Avon River.
Created with the intention of being New Zealand’s first urban food hub, this wonderful community labour of love was designed to allow everyone to access fresh, homegrown food, absolutely free. It has literally risen up like a phoenix from the ashes from what was previously earthquake rubble and, although still very much a work in progress, the amount of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs of all descriptions which are flourishing is staggering. The day we arrived to film, there was a working bee and I thoroughly enjoyed getting my hands dirty, along with the other volunteers.
We also visited a wonderful private garden, again in an incredibly built-up area. It is featured in the book Secrets of Small Gardens in New Zealand by Sue Allison and Juliet Nicholas and is a fantastic example of how it is still possible to grow wonderful fresh food in a tiny urban space.
As campervan gardeners ourselves, we were enchanted by the array of espaliered fruit trees of all kinds. If you don’t have room to grow out, grow up.
OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD
Our visit to Christchurch provided an opportunity to catch up with some of our many friends who live there, although we were a little taken aback when one of them asked us to meet her and her young daughter – at the city library? However Tūranga, in Cathedral Square, is no ordinary library. It’s a paradise, a treasure trove for young and old and I’m not quite sure who had the most fun there, me or Miss Eight.
As we pressed our faces against the glass wall on the top floor, I could see for the first time just how much earthquake damage had been caused to the city’s beloved cathedral and it really brought home what an immense battle had been fought these past years and how much those who lived here truly love this place.
“This wonderful community labour of love was designed to allow everyone access to fresh, homegrown food”
The Christchurch landscape is vast and varied
From here we spilled out into the square, which was bustling, as the World Buskers Festival was in full swing. We gazed enchanted at the talented acrobats and performers.
The only slight disappointment was not catching a glimpse of the famous Wizard. Ever since I arrived in New Zealand 28 years ago, I’d wanted to meet the legendary comedian, actor and speaker but this iconic figure wasn’t to be seen – not that day, or the next.
We never imagined we’d love Christchurch as much as we did, but we were truly sad to leave and can’t wait to go back again. There’s so much to do; you don’t need to spend big money on tourist attractions. As we found, the heart of the city and its people are more than enough. ■