There is so much to see and do in Christchurch, New Zealand. But this city has so much meaning to us since it’s my husbands’ hometown. I invite you behind the lens to see all the city, beaches, trails, and rebuild of the city post earthquake.
Our time in Christchurch, New Zealand has come and gone. My husband (aka the kiwi) is from Christchurch. He’s been training for Ironman New Zealand up in the north and down here for the past 5 weeks. I flew over 10 days ago. It was perfect timing too, just in time for his taper and for me the “sherpa wife” to take care of the meals, relax, and basically just be at home.
Our days have been simple. Cook, bake, eat, go for tea or coffee, work a little, sleep, read, walk/train. And when we have access to a car, we venture out for a little afternoon drive to the small towns just in the outskirts of Christchurch.
I’d say this trip has been quite soothing. Soothing in the fact that we have no plans but just to take care of each other and catch up. Soothing for our marriage, which feels refreshed. So we embraced the simple and the slow, because next week will be rushed. We head up to Taupo via Auckland for what might be his last ironman. Then home to Texas after that to face reality and taxes, haha!
So while I have a wee bit of time and free internet connection, I thought I’d give you tour! Behind the lens that is, both DSLR lens and iPhone.
New Brighton Beach
Just a small glimpse of the Botanical Gardens in Hagley park. The park IS HUGE and full of beauty.
Port Hills trails and Scenic View of Lyttleton harbor
View of Christchurch, New Zealand from the top of Port Hills
Watching the surf at Sumner (another suburb of Christchurch). One of our favorite spots! Cute shops, markets, the beach, and ice cream!
Well guys, thanks for sticking around for my picture overload. I hope you all get to New Zealand some time, it’s worth every penny!
What place is on your MUST SEE list?
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Liz S. says
March 4, 2015 at 2:21 AMSO picturesque! Wow! I haven’t been to NZ (yet!), but your photos remind me of why it’s definitely on my travel list 🙂 So glad you were able to take this trip and have a great time!
LCCotter says
March 4, 2015 at 2:34 AMyou must come! you’d love liz!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
March 4, 2015 at 3:03 AMI’m still bitter you didn’t come over…
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 4:00 AMyou didn’t either. and I was wanting some of your food!
CARLA says
March 4, 2015 at 5:32 AMSO SO SO PRETTY.
and speaking of pretty 🙂
I need to see you when yer back.
or help you sherpa the next trip
either way 🙂
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 4:01 AMyes! let’s! miss your FACE
Tess says
March 4, 2015 at 5:46 AMYou take beautiful pictures. I’m sure the scenery is gorgeous and you have captured magnificantly. I never thought about New Zealand but now it is working it’s way to the top of my must see list!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
March 4, 2015 at 6:07 AMBeautiful! NZ has actually very similar scenery to Scotland, maybe with just a little more sunshine!
For me, I want to explore more of the U.S. and go back to the Middle East – especially Oman, the most amazing place I have been in my life.
Hope you carry on having a wonderful time and good luck to the kiwi! 🙂
misszippy says
March 4, 2015 at 6:15 AMOh, Lindsay–looks absolutely amazing! NZ has always been on my list and your pictures make me more determined to get there. Enjoy ever last minute of it!
Livi @ Eat, pray, work it out says
March 4, 2015 at 6:15 AMI really want to go to New Zealand! It sounds amazing 🙂
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
March 4, 2015 at 6:27 AMBeautiful pics! Can’t imagine what it is in real life. I’ve always desperately wanted to go to Greece. It’s the only place in Europe I’ve never been to.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
March 4, 2015 at 6:29 AMOh wow it looks SO beautiful! I would love to get there someday! And right now would be a perfect time seeing that we are expecting MORE snow tomorrow.
SuzLyfe (@suzlyfe) says
March 4, 2015 at 6:39 AMSo beautiful. I remember when the earthquake happened because I was in grad school and one of my classmates was from NZ–not from Christchurch, but you know the sentiment, and she knew many people from the area–and it was just devastating.
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
March 4, 2015 at 7:06 AMWow! Anyone would be lucky to call that home, simply beautiful.
On my “to-visit” list is Croatia and Bali, that later is much more of a reality 😉
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
March 4, 2015 at 7:09 AMLooks amazing!! I want to come join!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com says
March 4, 2015 at 7:24 AMSaw this post come up on my Bloglovin earlier and knew I’d be hooked, and would have been late for my gym routine, if I’d looked at them then, lol. So now I’m back refreshed and looking at your amazing pictures, feeling jealous and hoping one day I can visit NZ too! My parents are in Tasmania at the moment, that’s another one on the bucket list too, oh so many 😉
Good luck to the kiwi! 🙂
Laur says
March 4, 2015 at 7:34 AMAbsolutely breath-taking.
kristin | W [H] A T C H says
March 4, 2015 at 7:55 AMmy grandfather was from christchurch. i’ve spent quite a bit of time in the south pacific, but have never been to new zealand. it’s at the top of my list. please do keep sharing photos!
LCCotter says
March 4, 2015 at 8:44 PMoh wow! small world! you need to come visit for sure then kristin!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
March 4, 2015 at 8:12 AMSoothings seems like a great way to describe this. So beautiful, really enjoyed looking at the photos and glad to hear you’re having such a relaxing time 🙂
Lisa @ RunWiki says
March 4, 2015 at 8:37 AMLindsay, following your time in New Zealand brings such a big smile to my face. It’s beautiful, it looks relaxing, I can feel that it is refreshing for you and your man, and I get to dream about going there someday. I want to hop on a plane and and get lost on a trail somewhere. It sounds like pure bliss. Enjoy the rest of your time there. Love you! hugs.
Dietitian Jess says
March 4, 2015 at 8:47 AMAmazing pics- you make me want to visit even more!! Good luck to Kiwi (take lots of pics from the race to share too- I’m in such awe of those athletes). Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
March 4, 2015 at 9:40 AMTHIS! This place is on my must see list. Well, New Zealand in general, but yeah… must.go. And I’m happy to hear that you’r able to enjoy some much needed and much deserved R&R 🙂
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
March 4, 2015 at 9:41 AMThis is all so gorgeous! I’m jelly!!
I love that you got this time together. I can’t wait until my hubby and I can just have a do-nothing vacation.
Chris says
March 4, 2015 at 9:41 AMAmazing pictures! Wow. So many places on my must see list but perhaps my “strangest” one is Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Jennifer caccamo says
March 4, 2015 at 9:42 AMLove the view of the water…so blue and beautiful!
KRYSTEN says
March 4, 2015 at 9:45 AMI LOVE THAT YOU GUYS HAD A CHANCE TO RELAX AND RECONNECT. LOOKS ABSOLUTLY GORGEOUS!!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
March 4, 2015 at 9:56 AMLindsay – just LOOKING at your pictures soothes my soul! Wow – the views are fantastic! I have always dreamed of going to Italy – but now, Italy has competition!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
March 4, 2015 at 10:01 AMSO pretty! I can’t believe you’re ever coming home. Hope Kiwi is doing well! xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 4, 2015 at 10:34 AMA whole other world! Stunning…..stunning!
Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch says
March 4, 2015 at 11:18 AMWell, holy smokes it is so stunning there. And ofcourse, your photography is amazing…I was going over your IG yesterday. WOW. That’s a work of art. So happy you two have had this time together, and thanks for the encouragement to visit Aussie, it truly looks unbeatable. You really inspire me to enjoy cooking more, it really is a soothing and beautiful process, and sometimes I forget that, doh! Thanks for sharing it all! Take care, friend. : )
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
March 4, 2015 at 11:19 AMAhhhhhh your happy place!!!
She Rocks Fitness says
March 4, 2015 at 11:35 AMSo glad that this trip is soothing, nourishing, refreshing, and time for the 2 of you to be with each other! I have a couple of places on my list…Figi, Bora Bora…Don’t forget to bring me home a kiwi…Thanks!
Emily @ Zen & Spice says
March 4, 2015 at 11:39 AMWow, that is absolutely beautiful. I’m always looking for pretty landscape pictures because I like to paint in my spare time. These pics are totally worth taking the paints out for!!
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
March 4, 2015 at 11:46 AMWOW NZ is absolutely breathtaking. What a place to grow up! He’s certainly lucky on that front. I’m not looking forward to the reality of taxes either… boo.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
March 4, 2015 at 3:02 PMGorgeous!!
I’ve always wanted to go to NZ, all the pictures I see are just breath-taking! One day, I’m sure 🙂
Bonnie says
March 4, 2015 at 3:21 PMstunning! so thankful you guys get this time together to relax and be refreshed as one! does the fact that the big race is looming make it tough for James (or you!) to relax, or is he good at dealing with that on race day?
great photos! a place I’ve always wanted to go to…both Mikey and I routinely look up flights to NZ! and the hills in the photo with James in the “have an awesome…” shirt look SO Californian! makes me a bit homesick. 😉
Hayley says
March 4, 2015 at 3:28 PMWow! This I already wanted to go to New Zealand but this is making me want to go even more!! I want to travel to a lot of places and just see what the world has to offer and I want to explore!
Jill @ Do Try This at Home says
March 4, 2015 at 3:51 PMSoooo pretty!!!!!!!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
March 4, 2015 at 4:01 PMOK Lindsay, this post is just mean. What an amazing and gorgeous place!! NZ is definitely on my must-see list. I can’t wait to visit!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
March 4, 2015 at 4:05 PMI WANT TO BE THERE!!!!!!!! everything looks gorgeous!!!!!!!!!
LCCotter says
March 4, 2015 at 6:26 PMcome, and bring will!
jobo says
March 4, 2015 at 4:22 PMabsolutely gorgeous!! NZ is definitely on my list, as is Australia, Italy/Sicily, and the Azores! SO SO glad you two have this needed time together! XOXO
Kristy Sayer says
March 4, 2015 at 5:34 PMWe’re currently planning a trip to New Zealand for the end of this year and there is SO much to see and do! I’m going to have to get your gluten free recommendations for places to eat and things to try!
LCCotter says
March 4, 2015 at 6:17 PMthere are tons! feel free to email me!
Katie says
March 4, 2015 at 6:56 PMNZ is on my short list of places that I need to visit, for sure. My best friend in college studied there and I couldn’t visit because I was saving for my own study abroad trip to Costa Rica. I’m kicking myself still for that. And then, my sister studied in Australia and I didn’t visit her either because I was interning in Hawaii at the time and dead broke.
If not for money, I’d never stay in one place!
LCCotter says
March 4, 2015 at 7:33 PMdude, we are broke but it’s so worth right now. I’ll be complaining later. LOL! you need to get your butt down here
Jess says
March 4, 2015 at 8:07 PMI LOVE Christchurch! One day I will meet you there! Enjoy your refresh and soak up the beauty! Xox
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:31 PMyes! we must jess! and we need to jump the ditch and visit you!
Kim says
March 4, 2015 at 8:26 PMOh, those pictures are incredible!! Thank you for the behind the lens look!!!
So glad you have been with your Kiwi to help him prepare for his best ever Ironman!!!
Glad y’all have had such a great time to recharge and prepare!!!
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:31 PMthank you Kim! that means a lot.
Jody - Fit at 57 says
March 4, 2015 at 10:06 PMSO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to go! I am glad you have some time to refresh & renew!!! I know reality can suck at times but I hope coming home leads to new adventures for you both!
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:30 PMi know, i don’t want to face it. LOL! reality. ugh
KymberlyFunFit says
March 4, 2015 at 10:06 PMWhat a feast of great shots! New Zealand is one place that exceeded my expectations when I was there 29 years ago. What’s the latest on your hub’s event?
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:30 PMoh wow, that’s when my husband was living here too. WEll, he was born here. haha. His big race is tomorrow! EEK!
GiGi Eats says
March 4, 2015 at 10:20 PMAnnnnndddddddd….. I am clicking over to ORBITZ right now to check out flights! ha ha! My friend I stayed with would LOVE for me to move…. Hmmmmmmmm!
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:28 PMget on it!!! let’s move!
Jess @hellotofit says
March 5, 2015 at 7:51 AMThese photos are BEAUTIFUL! Love that you’ve been enjoying your time there 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
March 5, 2015 at 8:07 AMAmazing- so gorgeous! I’m so glad you got away and that it felt restful. We are in need of a getaway to somewhere nice and warm! 🙂
Missy says
March 5, 2015 at 10:01 AMBREATH TAKING.
*goes to get oxygen*
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
March 5, 2015 at 10:46 AMI would never come back! Ahhh, so beautiful.
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:26 PMwe say that every time!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
March 5, 2015 at 11:27 AMLindsay thank you for sharing these moments with us – it’s just gorgeous! My parents went to NZ a few years ago, but it looks like they went to the wrong places, because your pics are gorgeous! I just love seeing you and the Kiwi in action 🙂
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 2:27 PMthank you friend. Your parents definitely need to come back and have you tag along! yes?!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
March 5, 2015 at 3:26 PMGorgeous! I don’t know what tops my must-see list, maybe more of the Alps from a different side. 🙂
LCCotter says
March 5, 2015 at 6:27 PMtake me with you!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
March 5, 2015 at 9:45 PMWow, what an unbelievably beautiful place.
Katie says
March 5, 2015 at 10:19 PMWoW… those pictures!! 🙂 I would love to visit New Zealand!! Looks relaxing & peaceful.
Natalie says
March 6, 2015 at 12:03 AMIt is more beautiful than I imagined! Christchurch has been on my bucket list for years. I can’t wait to go and your pics could be a coffee table book!!!! 🙂
LCCotter says
March 7, 2015 at 10:44 PMoh i can’t wait till you go then! a must Nat!
Maggie says
March 8, 2015 at 10:12 PMI’ve been lucky enough to have been to New Zealand. My trip there with Habitat for Humanity (we built in Nelson) was the first big, adult thing I did entirely on my own. To this day, I cannot wait to return. I loved every single minute of that adventure!
LCCotter says
March 9, 2015 at 12:22 AMi agree! it’s the best! my father in law is from nelson!
Tara Newman says
March 9, 2015 at 8:34 PMWow…it’s really spectacular there. Definitely on my list of places to visit but the travel might make me mental.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
March 10, 2015 at 6:07 PMThese pictures are beautiful and I have loved seeing them all on Instagram and even more now here. It’s looks amazing through your eyes, and the trip sounds ideal.
Also, botanical gardens are my thing. If I’m visiting a new city, I try to make it a point to see them.
LCCotter says
March 11, 2015 at 10:22 AMYou and your hubs can come with us next time! but you might not ever want to leave… just sayin
Brandi says
March 15, 2015 at 5:43 AMThese pictures are amazing! I’ve enjoyed seeing them on instagram 🙂 I would have to say that New Zealand is definitely a place I want to visit. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! 🙂
LCCotter says
March 15, 2015 at 9:36 AMYou must friend! you would love!
Danielle says
March 15, 2015 at 8:33 AMFinally getting a chance to go back through your recent posts. Those views are amazing (as well as your photography)! I’m so glad you guys had a chance to rest and take it all in. How did you meet your husband, anyway? Would you ever move to NZ? (I’m full of questions this morning! haha)
LCCotter says
March 15, 2015 at 9:36 AMWell I met him in AUstin, but he was going back and forth between Hawaii and NZ and austin. Then we moved to Hawaii, then back to NZ, then back to Austin. and now we want to move back to NZ> gah…. I LOVE IT! simple life.
Danielle says
March 15, 2015 at 9:43 AMOh! So you’ve already lived in NZ! It might not be simple, but it sounds fun. We have to do all this stuff while we’re still young, right? haha
Mollie @Sprinkles of Life says
March 26, 2015 at 2:08 PMGahhh, these photos are just beautiful!! So pretty! Glad you guys had such a great time!