Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 16-Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch-4/26/2024

We are on the boat and we are leaving the docking deck from Antigua Boat Sheds and gliding slowly on the Avon River guided by a punter in Edwardian dress standing at the stern with a long pole.

First we passed by the small pedestrian bridge, a charming old iron-and-wood bridge with elegant railings and views up and down the river.  People often pause here to take photos, wave at passing boats, or simply soak in the gentle sounds of water and birds.

Waiving to people that are coming back from their guided tour on the Avon.

 Punting on the Avon River in Christchurch during fall is a magical experience, calm, golden, and full of life.

As our boat is leaving the Antigua Boat Sheds, we float gently past the modern buildings of Christchurch Hospital.

The hospital was under construction in 2024 with the aims to enhance healthcare facilities in the area.

We are definitely in the fall as you can see fallen leaves float of the surface of the river.

A beautiful Mallard duck swimming close to our boat.

The punt moves quietly, gently and allowing the passengers to absorb every details of our surrounding.

We are now entering the Botanic Gardens where the banks become lush and quiet like a private forest.

We float by underneath weeping willows. As our punt drifts under and alongside, the branches are really low and people can easily touch them.

 Gorgeous Maple trees with amber leave seems to glow under the sun.

Lots of trees close to the river bank.

Lots of different type of trees along the way.

As we punt along the Avon River during Fall, we saw a stunning mix of native and exotic trees, some towering above the water, others with broad canopies or thick trunks that have stood for more than a century.

A large statue on the ground of the Hospital

A redwood tree, native from California can grow incredible tall. It was likely planted in the late 1800s to early 1900s, when Victorian gardens in New Zealand often included exotic and grand tree specimens. Despite being exotic, redwoods grow remarkably well in New Zealand thanks to the mild climate and rich soils.

Magnificent view from our boat.

On the right side we see these giants trees with long branches.

Beutiful and peaceful scenery as we glide calmy on the Avon River.

Christchurch is home to a variety of duck species, and these grey, white, and black ducks, we are spotting are the common and native types of ducks that live and thrive along the Avon.

These ducks are part of what makes punting and walking in Christchurch so lively and peaceful. Their presence reflects both the biodiversity and the gentle, welcoming character of the city.

When the boat reach the small pedestrian bridge, the boat will make a U turn to go back to the Antigua Boat Sheds.

We are now on the other side of the bank and you can see the bridge in the back.

This area is close to the Botanic Gardens by the riverbanks and these giant trees are European Maples that have been part of Christchurch’s landscape since the 19th century.

You can definitely see we are in the fall when the leaves are turning into shades of amber, orange, crimson, and gold.

Ducks resting on the riverbank.

Weeping willow the one of the most iconic sights along the Avon River, they are gently leaning over and into the water. They give the riverbanks a dreamlike, almost poetic atmosphere, especially in the soft light of fall.

Most are weeping willows originally from China but planted widely in New Zealand during the 19th century for their beauty and shade.

The branches arch gracefully out and down, creating natural alcoves where ducks nest, fish hide, and eels rest in the roots.

Our punt is over and we are now back to the Antigua Boat Sheds dock.  We really enjoyed this boat ride, it is deeply peaceful right in the middle of the city, surrounded by trees, water, ducks, birds, and it feels like the natural world is welcoming you.

NEXT... Botanic garden