New Zealand Honeymoon - Christchurch

New Zealand Honeymoon Day 1

We have spent 2 days 1 night in Christchurch, strictly speaking, only the 1st day and last day of the trip in Christchurch. 

The time we reached Christchurch was about 11pm, where having the flight from Gold Coast on the first day. Which was the tired day as we were spending whole day in flight transition from Malaysia - Gold Coast - Christchurch. However, was excited as we reached our dreamland destination finally!!!

We didn't spend any on the first day as the time was late, so we went bed after checking in. One thing is very warmhearted traveling in New Zealand and we would like to share with you all, you don't need to worry the late checking-in and no need to worry the reception will close before you reach. It is because the landlord will put the room key outside the reception counter and you can have it yourself and do the checking-in arrangement on the next day morning. The first budget motel is Dorset House Backpackers, unfortunately, following the earthquake that occured in Christchurch on 22 February, Dorset House Backpackers is  closed for  repairs for 2011 - 2012. Currently Not accepting bookings for Dorset House.

Accommodation recommendation:

1. Easybook (recommended)

2. Hotelcombined 

Some pictures of Dorset:

The next day morning, 2nd day of the trip, we did not spend much time in Christchurch as per our itinerary, we will come back to Christchurch on the last day of our trip, so we went to rent a car and travel to Lake Tekapo straight forward.

After we had our breakfast, Dorset's reception helped us the arrange Ace Car Rental to come over to fetch us to their office, is free of charge. The rented car we had actually booked in advance before we reach New Zealand through online. Please book it online as enjoying some discount, some more do not really waste the time in selecting the type of car over-the-counter. 

This was the car we rented, car of 2006 but every thing is nice, not very petrol consuming. In addition, the service of Ace Car Rental is good actually.

I would suggest that, we must check through every thing before they handover the car to you, included car body, interior, cd radio, carpet, light and etc. Try to also take photo for backing up in order to avoid any argument/dispute as they will claim you that if there is any new damage on car.

Also, you should check the petrol meter, it should be full of tank. You will need to return the car with in full tank of petrol as well.

There is another company call Jucy, I found it from comments from other forum that the service is not bad as well, you can check it out.

Some pictures I have taken, share with you here:

p/s: On the left is a picture which I have taken in Airport when we were waiting the flight from Malaysia to Gold Coast. It was very funny as has a big different of the size of backpack which carried by my wife, myself and a western backpacker (from left to right).