January 18, 2023: I found the best run in Christchurch to shake off the January blues and stretch my legs after our ridiculously long flight to New Zealand.
“Every run is a work of art, a drawing on each day’s canvas.”
Dagny Scott Barrios
We made some late adjustments to our New Zealand trip, meaning our flights were less than ideal. In total, 45 hours in airplanes and airports, with a midnight Christchurch arrival. We slept like the dead. But to get acclimated to the new time zone, I was up early the first mornings to find the best Christchurch run.
It was a perfect morning – sunny, calm, and about 55F and rising. Christchurch in January is a fine place to be. I’d mapped out my route using Great Runs and a few sights I wanted to preview. I didn’t know at the time, but this would be one of my favorite runs of 2023!
The Cardboard Cathedral
First I was off to the “Cardboard Cathedral” just off Latimer Square. This Japanese-designed A-frame was built of shipping containers and 24” cardboard tubes as a temporary Anglican church after the 2011 earthquakes severely damaged the nearby Christchurch Cathedral. My reaction: neat concept, but this is no Strasbourg Cathedral. Meh, keep going.
River Avon and Hagley Park
Next, I turned north through Latimer Square and up to the Avon River. Funny note: Avon means “river” in Gaelic, so the Avon River is literally the “River River!” A delightful path traces the Avon through city center, stringing together a series of parks. As I passed the town square, I could see a festival was in full swing, with buskers and stage acts entertaining summer crowds. Now this was more like I had in mind!
The Avon Path winds to Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Garden. The rose garden is particularly stunning. Taking pictures gave me a good excuse to catch my breath stop and smell the roses before turning back to the hotel. All in, about four lovely (and flat) miles, the best run in Christchurch.
And the Rest After
After the run Jean and I explored the rest of town – New Regent Street, the Riverside Market, and street art. It was a great urban introduction to New Zealand as we started our road trip.
