The Star: September 08, 2016

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40 Thursday September 8 2016 follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch The Star Springing into a new era of parenthood WITH LAST week boasting a superb bout of spring sunshine, we took advantage of the glorious weather and spent Saturday afternoon at the beach. Armed with buckets, spades and a massive shovel, we met some friends on the sand and let the kids go crazy. My other half spent close to two hours continuously digging tunnels, creating trenches and bolstering walls. The girls were sent on missions to collect feathers, kelp, sticks, or whatever they could find to decorate their fortress. With a further hour of the kids playing in, on and around their creation, us parents simply sat back and watched it all unfold. Such a fun and relaxing way to wind down after a long week. It was only then that I reflected and realised that this was possibly the beach trip since embarking on our parenting career that didn’t involve a good hour of organising togs, wetsuits, blankets, nappies, spare clothes, towels and copious amounts of food. Nor did we have to factor in naps, snacks or bedtime routines. It was awesome. We were laden with only one bag containing a couple of towels, drink bottles and some snacks. And if we felt like more, we had a cafe within walking distance. Easy as. With our youngest twin girls fast approaching their third birthday, they are now at an age where their independence FUN: Building a fortress in the sand. is flourishing by the day. They know not to go crashing into the waves with their clothes on, and that they can forage through the backpack for snacks and drinks whenever they feel hungry. They are becoming more confident in their own space (though still close to each other) and love to kick it with the “big girls” rather than be close to our side. For us, this is huge. The watchful eyes, clock-watching and scheduling that comes with having babies now seems to have officially gone. The fact we were at the beach within 30 minutes of making our decision reinforced that the days of routine are pretty much over, and we are now in a new era. Although we know that getting four girls under seven out the door will still present some logistical challenges, Saturday afternoon provided us with the realisation that we are well and truly on the other side of babyhood. Of course, we will still pack bags and organise drinks and snacks, but it’s not such a big thing if an afternoon slides by and we decide to have fish ‘n’ chips on the beach rather than rush home for the 5pm dinner, bath and bed routine. With that in mind, we are looking forward to a summer of more freedom and spontaneity than we’ve had in the last seven years. And while I feel somewhat nostalgic about leaving those years behind, I am equally excited for the adventures that lie ahead and look forward to the next chapter in our lives. Cheers to that, and roll on the summer daze! GETAWAY TO ALPINE TRIANGLE Sup soak ski sea Within tWo hour’s drive north of Christchurch, the triangular Alpine Pacific touring route includes an appealing diversity in summer or winter and encompasses places to sup, soak, ski or sea! First stop is Amberley which was first established to service the surrounding farming district. Make time for its 200m heritage walk which encapsulates 150 years of local history, happenings and heroes and sip a delectable coffee from the popular nor’wester Café! Sup At Waipara, almost 20 vineyards and wineries produce a variety of Pinot noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvigonon Blanc vintages. You’ll find award winning boutique properties as well as large prestigious vineyards like Pegasus Bay and Waipara hills which are along the main highway. turn inland through the Weka Pass, where a private steam train operates at weekends for nostalgic enthusiasts and the 1860 hurunui hotel is the oldest continuously licensed pub in the country. Extraordinary memorabilia adorns its walls and its rooms are reputedly inhabited by a ghost! Soak hanmer Springs lures people year-round to its pool complex and alpine village. Boasting 12 thermal pools, swimming pool, waterslides, private thermal pools, sauna and steam facilities and luxurious spa treatments, aches and pains are miraculously soaked away. Enjoy the café at the pool complex or discover the variety of restaurants in the village from pub to posh. Ski Surrounded by river, forest and mountains there are opportunities to hike, bike, horse trek, fish, boat, bungy or play golf. in winter hanmer and Mt Lyford ski fields offer accessible and affordable skiing and snow boarding with ski school, ski hire, on field accommodation and terrain to suit all levels of ability. Sea The road from hanmer to Mt Lyford continues to coastal Kaikoura, named by Maori for its abundant crayfish. Kaikoura’s association with the sea has developed in modern times to become a “must do” whale watching experience and an eco marine environment that is home to Dusky dolphins, pelagic birds and Southern Right, humpback, Bryde, Blue and orca whales which can be viewed from the air or on the water. Visit Kaikoura Museum and Fyffe house for an absorbing history of the town’s whaling past or Maurice Manawatu’s tour for a wonderful perspective on 900 years of Maori settlement. on land there are limestone caves, farm tours, horse trekking, mountain biking or walking trails to explore. But whatever you see and do, be sure to taste the crayfish at nin’s Bin caravan just north of the town! Enjoy. Visit www.hurunui.co.nz and www.kaikoura.co.nz for more information Kaikoura’s Marine Combo 3 Awesome activities for one special price! All three for under $400 $396 Huge savings of $99! Kaikoura is a marine lovers paradise with marine mammal encounters available all year round above, on and below the water. For voucher enquiries please call 0800 655 121 or email reservations@whalewatch.co.nz www.whalewatch.co.nz
[Edition datE] The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday September 8 2016 41 3 GETAWAY TO ALPINE TRIANGLE The spectacular getaway in Christchurch’s backyard With iconic thermal pools, villages surrounded by mountains and forests, one of the country’s premier wine regions and spectacular wildlife (including whales!), the Alpine Pacific Touring Route (APT) is a road trip like no other. The 370-km journey takes in the Hurunui Region’s most spectacular sights, winding its way through Hanmer Springs, the Waipara Valley and onto Kaikoura. What’s more, it starts just a stone’s throw from Christchurch but feels a world away from the city so is the ultimate and easy escape. Anyone who has driven up State Highway One near the Waipara Valley in recent years will have noticed the rapid growth of this winegrowing region. It now has 74 vineyards, 31 wineries and four wonderful winery restaurants – perfect for a lingering lunch stop. The wines here are among the best in the world and have the international awards to prove it. From Waipara, the APT will take you north-west to Hanmer Springs, one of Christchurch’s favourite holiday destinations with fresh air, mountains and forests galore. The iconic Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is still one of the country’s most popular attractions with its famous naturally heated, mineral-filled waters. The complex now has 15 thermal pools, as well as two hydroslides and the South Island’s only aquatic thrill ride, the SuperBowl. The village’s retail sector has undergone a huge boom in recent times with a new shopping centre on Conical Hill Road and dozens of boutiques attracting visitors to the village. Hanmer Springs is also fast becoming the unofficial spa capital of New Zealand and now has more than a dozen operators offering a wide range of services. There are numerous styles of massage, a full range of beauty treatments (from facials to pedicures) and holistic treatments such as reiki and acupuncture all on offer. The drive from Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura along the Leader Road is stunning and a trip not many Cantabrians have ticked off. It takes you through historic villages and rolling hills with plenty of photo stops. Eco-tourism capital Kaikoura is, of course, most famous for its whale watching opportunities but that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the area’s wildlife offering. Don’t miss the Ohau Stream Walk, an easy 280-metre track, to a picturesque waterfall that is popular with baby seals in winter - delighting all who visit. Kaikoura literally means ‘a meal of crayfish’ and there are plenty of opportunities to sample this local delicacy. And, coupled with a glass of Waipara Valley wine, there is possibly no better way to end this fabulous journey.
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The Star: September 08, 2016

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