I left the house at 9am and reached Halswell Quarry Park at around 10am. The quarry was used to build many of the city’s prominent buildings such as the Canterbury Museum. After its use had passed, the Council restored it as a recreational reserve for public enjoyment.

There are many easy short walks through the sister city areas and wetland ponds.


Halswell Quarry


I was blown away more by the Southern Alps stretching across the horizon than the strong winds.


The Southern Alps lie along the boundary between the Australian and Pacific plate. These plates grind past each other, causing earthquakes and pushing up the mountains that form the Alps. It looks like Mother Nature had drawn a faint white line across the sky.





Tussock swaying gently in the wind felt like a prelude to the Southland tracks


Hoon Hay Valley


Broom in full bloom




I asked for directions back to town and followed a group of Korean ladies at Wolyster Road to Sign of the Kiwi.


The familiar sight of the volcanic landscape meant I should be close to the main road.

A cyclist saw me trying to catch a ride while walking along the main road and advised me it's safer to try at the carpark. I stood at the carpark for about 5 mins and a man with ponytail came out of a silver van and offered to give me a ride down. I hopped in and thanked the family of four who dropped me at the roundabout near a bus stop. I caught the bus back, happy I managed to make it back and covered more than what I initially planned to do today.