Bridle Path

Today was a beautiful sunny day, and since I had spent most of yesterday doing homework (except for a quick bubble tea break, of course), I decided to spend the afternoon doing something outside.  I researched online short walks in Christchurch that I could easily get to on the bus.  I found Bridle Path and decided to go check it out.

Bridle Path was made by the European pilgrims who settled in the Canterbury region in 1850.  Along the path there were signs, benches, and monuments that told the stories of the people who traveled along this route.  At the summit there is a Pioneer Women’s Memorial which is in memory of the pilgrims who stopped at the summit to look over their new home.

Pioneer Women’s Memorial

I took the hour long bus ride to Heathcote Valley and the base station of the Christchurch Gonodola, a tourist attraction that takes people up to the summit of nearby Mount Cavendish.  I started up the steep climb and reached the summit in around an hour.  The views were so beautiful.  On one side I could see most of Christchurch, including the beaches that I have been to in the last couple of weeks.  On the other side, I could see the suburb of Lyttelton, the bright blue water of Lyttelton Harbour, and the surrounding mountains.  I spent a while looking out at the views and resting after the steep walk and then decided to go a little bit further on the Crater Rim Walkway.  After walking about half an hour I reached the summit station of the gondola and looked around at the amazing views.  I then turned around, reached the Bridle Path junction, and went down the way I came to take the bus back to UC.

Christchurch Gondola

View of Christchurch

Looking out over Lyttelton

Panorama of Lyttelton Harbour

Overall, I was amazed at how even within the city, you can find such beautiful areas.  It just goes to show that in New Zealand you don’t have to go far to find incredible views!