We hit the road early, leaving Dunedin behind with the car packed, snacks ready, and a sense that another chapter was turning. The city had been full of surprises castles, gardens, penguins but it was time to roll north toward Christchurch.
Before we left, though, there was one last thing we had to conquer: Baldwin Street, officially the steepest residential street in the world. It looks harmless from the bottom — until you start walking. Halfway up, your legs are screaming, your lungs are on fire, and your brain’s still in denial. We gave it enough of a go to say we did it and we headed back to the car.
With the hill ticked off the bucket list, we cruised north under perfect blue skies. Somewhere around Oamaru, we stopped for what might be the coolest playground in New Zealand a steampunk themed park straight out of a kid’s imagination. Giant wheels, old machinery, metal sculptures, and swings built from industrial parts.
By the afternoon, the temperature had climbed to 24°C, and we could feel the coast calling. When we finally rolled into our Christchurch pad, it was exactly what we needed bright, breezy, and just a few steps from the beach.
Shoes came off, jackets got tossed aside, and within minutes Georgia was climbing driftwood while Dotty ran wild in the sand. The sea was calm, the sun warm, and for the first time in days, no one mentioned driving, schedules, or maps.
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