Journeys of grand scale often begin with a careful dance of planning and anticipation. Our recent expedition to Singapore and the South Island of New Zealand unfolded as a remarkable blend of vibrant cityscapes, dramatic natural wonders, and delightful culinary discoveries, beginning with a smooth transition to Southeast Asia.
Friday: Singapore Arrival and Hawker Wonders
Our arrival in Singapore was slightly delayed, but we quickly settled into the rhythm of the city. After a swift car ride to the hotel and dropping off our luggage, we promptly embarked on a walking tour with Grayson. His relaxed demeanor perfectly matched our level of wakefulness as we navigated the bustling streets. The tour led us to two iconic hawker centers, Maxwell and Lau Pa Sat, where we had the opportunity to sample a variety of local dishes. Following the tour, a car took us back to the hotel where we gratefully collapsed, ready for more exploration.
Saturday: Urban Charms and Culinary Excellence
Saturday began at a reasonable hour, refreshed and ready to explore Singapore further. We walked to Tiong Bahru Bakery, where we enjoyed wonderful pastries and good coffee. Our stroll continued to the Buxton Hill area, where we discovered a charming bookstore called Littered With Books. For lunch, we returned to Lau Pa Sat, and after, a siesta at the hotel provided a welcome break. The evening culminated in a truly wonderful dinner at Ma Cuisine, where we savored scallop, sweetbreads, pigeon, and cheese, accompanied by two bottles of Burgundy.
Sunday: Districts of Culture and Park Views
Sunday saw us out early, heading to the Malay/Islam district. We had breakfast at Tiong Bahru in Fort Canning Park, followed by another stop at All Things Delicious. We walked around the vibrant Malay/Islam district and then explored Little India, soaking in the diverse cultural tapestry of the city. Our walk took us up to Mount Emily Park, where a slight mishap with mud added a memorable touch to the journey. We returned to the hotel to clean up before lunch at Publico. After a siesta, we took a walk around the iconic Marina Bay area, enjoying the impressive skyline. Dinner at Labyrinth was an extraordinary experience.
Monday: A Day of Transition
Monday marked a significant travel day as we prepared to move from Singapore to New Zealand. We were up early and headed to the airport by 6 AM. The flight landed 30 minutes ahead of schedule, allowing us to settle into our hotel and rest after the journey.
Tuesday: Christchurch Welcome and City Center Charm
Tuesday began with a notably good breakfast at the hotel. We took a walk along the waterfront, enjoying the views before heading to the airport for our flight to Christchurch. The terminal seemed chaotic, but our boarding and flight were smooth. Upon arrival in Christchurch, we checked into The George Hotel without any issues. The afternoon was spent walking around the Christchurch city center, taking in the sights. We enjoyed early noshing and cocktails at OGB before heading in for an early night.
Wednesday: Tram Rides and Botanic Beauty
Having finally achieved some proper sleep, we woke at a reasonable time on Wednesday. After breakfast at the hotel, we walked to pick up the historic tram in the city center, using it to explore. We hopped off to walk through a less touristy set of blocks, gaining a different perspective of the city. Lunch was at the Riverside Market, where we savored a roast beef toastie and Nepalese dumplings while eating outside. We reboarded the tram and then hopped off at the Botanic Gardens, spending time exploring the extensive grounds. After resting, we visited the Art Gallery, finding many interesting pieces and viewpoints. Dinner at The Permit Room offered lovely Indian cuisine, including gunpowder cauliflower, fried chicken bites, chili paneer, and a fish kozhambhu curry.
Thursday: Gondola Views and Port Town Charm
Thursday began with breakfast at the hotel, accompanied by a slight misunderstanding between the server and myself regarding what breakfast included. We walked to the bus interchange, stopping for coffee along the way. We took the bus to the Christchurch Gondola, ascending to the summit for about 30-45 minutes, admiring the panoramic views before heading down. The bus then took us to Lyttelton, the port town. Lunch at the Lyttelton Arms provided a pleasant break, with a ham and cheese toastie, roast turkey sandwich, chips, and a beer or cider, enjoyed outdoors overlooking the port. The afternoon was spent with a leisurely walk back, taking a longer route to see the transitional cathedral. Dinner was at 27 Steps, a truly wonderful experience, featuring duck liver terrine, lamb, venison, and a Pegasus Bay Maestro 2016. Dessert included olive oil cake and a late harvest wine.
Friday: West Coast Glaciers and Unforeseen Adventures
We were up early on Friday, enjoying breakfast that met our expectations. An Uber took us to the train station for our journey to Greymouth. The train ride was quite pleasant, and we had a four-top table to ourselves. We arrived on time and easily collected our car. The drive to Franz Josef revealed rain upon our arrival at the glacier walk, prompting us to check into the hotel. Fortunately, the rain ceased, and the sun emerged, allowing us to return to the Glacier walk for about 45 minutes on two short trails. We then had an early dinner at The Landing restaurant, which provided solid food and drinks, before relaxing for the remainder of the evening.
Generated by Google Gemini from Chris’ notes
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