New Zealand Trip (Day 1 & 2)

Day 1 [Singapore - Christchurch]

It was the start of our picturesque tour of South New Zealand. 
We took a night flight towards Christchurch International Airport. Our flight was due to depart at 9:40 pm.

My boarding pass

It was going to be a 10 hour flight on SQ 295 all the way towards Christchurch, New Zealand. We were due to arrive at 12:30 pm the following day.

Day 2 [Christchurch]

We arrived in Christchurch at 12:10 pm. We cleared through the customs, which took quite a while as they check if you have any fresh food in your carry-on. Their very serious about their regulations. If you bring any fresh food, there will be a fine of NZD 400. 

After clearing the customs, we took our tour bus to the International Antarctic Centre. It was only a 5 minute drive. 

The motor vehicle and the outfit of people in Antarctica

When we reached, we went for a Hagglund ride. It was a short ride, but it was very bumpy, not advised for pregnant mothers, those who have suffered an injury or anyone who just had surgery. The Hagglund ride was to simulate how it was riding the Hagglund in the Antarctic. It was very bumpy as it went over hills and a lot of obstacles, but it was an experience I never felt before. 

After the ride, we went to the cafe at the International Antarctic Centre. We ate fish and chips at the cafe.

My fish and chips

Then, we waited for our special tour guide into the center. 

When our guide came, we headed into the Snow and Ice Experience. It was thankful that the centre had overshoes and winter jackets provided. It was quite cold, at about -8° Celsius. We decided to stay till the Antarctic Storm came, but it was a bad idea, there were strong winds that were freezing cold. Before the storm ended, we decided to leave the room. 

After all of us left the room, we headed to the penguin enclosure. There was a lot of little penguins.

The penguins

Then, we headed for the 4D Extreme Theater for a 4D show, the Ice Voyage. It wasn't too bad, quite interesting, but it was still a 4D show, there was a lot screaming as we were all afraid the the spraying of water. 

After that, we left the International Antarctic Centre and headed to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

At Willowbank, we took a nocturnal tour through the reserve. There were lots of birds there, but they were all in cages so that they don't fly away. They look nice, but it may be difficult to take pictures of the birds. But, when we entered the Kea enclosure, we got to see the Keas face to face.

The Kea

Keas attracted to the honey

Then, we went to the cave where the Kiwis lived. It was difficult to take pictures as we were not allowed to use flash photography. 

The Kiwi in the middle

It was very difficult to take a picture, but the Kiwi is in the middle.

After the reserve, we went into the town and went to the Avon River for the Punting on the Avon. There is a punter dressed in an old-fashioned attire punting you across the Avon river.

The Avon river

It was a great activity, you get to see a lot of nice views on the ride, great for couples. 

Afterwards, we went to Red Elephant for our Thai-styled dinner.

Then, we headed to our hotel, Ibis hotel Christchurch, for the night.