ct; Lake Clockwise from top: Ashburton lakes distri urton. Ashb in ens Gard ’s Trott n; Hood subdivisio
ASHBURTON BY BUS! It’s easy to sit and dream of far off places but any chance of visiting most of those is probably off the agenda for some time yet despite now being able to visit Australia without quarantining. However, visiting places closer to home is a good option and, perhaps to also revisit a few as HELEN PERRY did recently. I have flown to Christchurch several times over the past couple of years despite Covid-19 doing its best to inhibit travel even within our own borders. After a dear friend relocated to the South Island last August, returning there after a five-year stint in Taupo, I promised we would visit as soon as they had found a new home in their preferred township of Timaru. Eight months later they are still looking, the housing market there bereft of homes for sale. What’s more, as in so many areas, any homes that come on to the market, especially those suited to their needs, disappear in a flash. Fortunately, they have been able to house-sit further south in Oamaru while they continue the search. Initially, we deemed that a tad too far from Christchurch for us to visit during our three-night stay especially as we had decided not to hire a car. However, we reached a happy compromise – we would take the bus to Ashburton and they would www.eastlife.co.nz
drive up from Timaru where they were visiting friends for a few days. We decided to meet for lunch and enjoy the afternoon together before returning to our respective bases – us by bus, of course! Well, what fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the 75-minute Inter City bus journey plus the jolly commentary from our driver. It had been years since I’d actually driven the east side of the island, south from Christchurch, and I had no real memory of Ashburton. Travelling by bus allowed us to really take in the countryside – flat as it was! Arriving the best part of an hour ahead of our friends we alighted next to the town’s botanic gardens and took time to wander this very pretty and quite substantial park. With all shops (as far as I could discern) shut on a Sunday, bar Michael Hill Jeweller, Farmers, and the bargain Yellow Banana store, I was somewhat surprised that, despite its size, the township could boast such beautiful gardens and right next to State Hwy 1.
Towering trees, a small lake with water fowl aplenty, a toddler swimming pool plus playground and even a corner dedicated to 1200 Filipino immigrants who settled in the area, charmed us. The latter was especially eye-catching with flower beds planted in all the colours of the Philippine’s flag. Gradually we made our way into the township – undergoing major road works – and found two licensed eateries open. We opted for the The Fine Lion which we soon learnt was newly opened last year. What a find. I loved this upstairs restaurant with large, wraparound deck overlooking the road. I also loved the décor (including the exceptionally elegant loos and powder room – my oh my!) and the food even more. I hated that I started wishing the owners would bring this contemporary venue to Auckland; it made me feel disgruntled that it could present relatively casual fare so innovatively. Boasting great flavours (and presentation) it reminded me that sometimes outer Auckland, where I now live seems
to lack a sense of adventure when it comes to food. Being lunchtime, we opted for smaller meals, the creamed cauliflower, turmeric and caramelised red onion soup for me while man about the house chose the six lamb and pumpkin croquettes. Both were delicious and just the perfect size; we gave them the thumbs up. Interestingly, I later spotted a review on the restaurant’s Facebook page which was full of praise and ended with the comment: ‘Come to Auckland!’ My sentiments exactly. After spending the best part of two hours there we were reluctant to leave but knowing we had just enough time to view the newly developed Lake Hood subdivision, built around canals with boating facilities and reserves, we made a beeline for the estate – very attractive. With no time left to linger we made for the bus stop, said goodbye to our friends and were soon on our way back to Christchurch – a most pleasant way to spending a clement autumn Sunday! eastlife |may 2021 |
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