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Disembarking.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1883/4...42c87036_b.jpg Spotted an All-Black with white nose ATR72. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1866/4...ef37faf0_b.jpg Waiting for luggage to be delivered. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1878/4...5ccc92ef_b.jpg It was a very pleasant flight on the Air NZ ATR72 flying from Queenstown to Christchurch. Cabin was comfortable, crew were excellent, and the view enroute was marvellous! From Christchurch, we took the public bus to the city center. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch, which is a rather new hotel built over a previously office building damaged during the devastating quake. I believe the hotel is also one of the tallest, if not the tallest, building in Christchurch currently. The room is very modern, clean and comfortable. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1863/4...a574caf0_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1871/4...a97c546e_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1895/4...e65401f0_b.jpg Dinner was a delicious bowl of ramen at a popular Japanese eatery. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1890/4...ec2cd6f8_b.jpg View from the hotel room the next morning. It was a rather cloudy morning. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1865/4...33c78f77_b.jpg Our room included a daily hearty buffet breakfast. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1899/4...a3109a97_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1882/4...ebc28ca0_b.jpg Being a Saturday morning, we visited the Christchurch Farmers' Market at Riccarton House. There are 2 major markets in Christchurch on Saturday and Sunday, and the Farmer's Markey is held every Saturday. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1873/4...aa74b00e_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1876/4...0fd94975_b.jpg |
The market was rather busy, with various stalls selling products ranging from fresh produce, bakery items, food products, beverages and more.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1888/4...43a7971a_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1880/4...bbfeec10_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1859/4...4af5256c_b.jpg Beautiful stream beside the market. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1877/3...9f9acc0d_b.jpg From the market, we walked to Westfield Riccarton, a major and busy mall in Christchurch. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1893/4...8a95113a_b.jpg We also hopped onto a bus toward Brighton beach. As it was winter, the beach, expectedly, was rather quiet. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1883/4...c74daa4f_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1880/4...0103a1fb_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1869/4...6bd22c0b_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1868/4...4fe6beaf_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1848/4...e5aedfa2_b.jpg The tourist tram in Christchurch city. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1898/4...bd90a469_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1846/4...aaeeb9d8_b.jpg |
Nice to see the Forsyth Barr building back in use as a hotel rather than the derelict building it was when we were there 2 years ago!
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New Regent Street, though shops and restaurants. operational, was still under repairs with structural supports in place.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1851/4...44263f77_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1866/4...4ff144cd_b.jpg The damaged Christchurch Cathedral, which is yet to be repaired or restored. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1852/4...0b22354d_b.jpg Cathedral Square https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1885/4...8b3497fd_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1862/4...da50e6ae_b.jpg Newly rebuilt Colombo Street and Cashel Street shopping district. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1855/4...89bedfb1_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1900/4...4517c3d5_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1848/4...a68e76d4_b.jpg Bridge of Remembrance war memorial. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1864/4...67bbfd25_b.jpg Dinner at a very cool food court-like eatery. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1843/4...1091a3c6_b.jpg The pizzas from BASE Pizza were amazing! https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1890/4...69369370_b.jpg On Sunday morning, we had clear and beautiful skies! Snow-capped mountain ranges could be seen in the distance. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1897/4...a0c558e2_b.jpg |
Visit to another market, The Riccarton Market, which is the biggest market in Christchurch and held on every Sunday.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1891/4...2ac330e6_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1853/4...06e1d95c_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1888/4...3000f9d9_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1877/4...caa3698e_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1854/4...313c61c2_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1854/4...d2b064e2_b.jpg Victoria Square, just across the road from the hotel. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1877/4...74bab57f_b.jpg The Commons, a shared recreational area. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1854/4...bde66b2a_b.jpg Newly built-up area of town and the Casino. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1844/4...9ab88620_b.jpg A historic still-standing clock tower and a fenced-up apartment due for demolition. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1862/4...0623680a_b.jpg And for a taste of authentic and affordable Thai food in Christchurch, I totally recommend this pop-up eatery, Thai Container. The dishes tasted just like what I would have in Bangkok! https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1895/4...56c86bbf_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1862/4...66309cb9_b.jpg |
Its good seeing that there has been some progress to the rebuild in the 2 years since we were there - although they are taking a long time with Regent Street, that was already being worked on when we were there. At least they've made a decision now about the Cathedral even if from your pics, they haven't actually started working on it yet.
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On the morning of departure back to Singapore, we encountered a rare weather condition as very think fog rolled into Christchurch. Visibility was down to only barely a couple of hundred meters. We arrived at Christchurch Airport safely via the airport shuttle.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1979/4...1c008e08_b.jpg Due to the thick morning fog, many domestic morning arrivals were cancelled as flights got diverted to other airports. Our SQ flight was still running on schedule, though the aircraft had not arrived. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1937/2...7be12637_b.jpg Checking in at the SQ counters and boarding passes issued. The ground staff were also anxiously checking on the aircraft status via FR24 app, hoping that the aircraft would not be diverted. During check-in, the aircraft was nearing CHC and preparing to go into a holding pattern. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1906/2...993e457f_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1942/4...3a47f145_b.jpg After check-in, we proceeded up to the departure level on the second storey. There were a number of shops at the departure level which leads to the domestic departure gates. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1859/2...fc286fce_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1882/2...a140c780_b.jpg International departures hall was via a separate immigration and security check. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1954/2...8927b915_b.jpg Needed to go through a small duty-free area after immigration. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1905/4...e2ea7d92_b.jpg International departure lounge, which was pretty quiet as we were the only international departure at the time of the morning. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1924/2...759faf3c_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1934/2...7249c47e_b.jpg The fog outside was still rather bad. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1856/2...88f753c0_b.jpg Our arrival aircraft had begun flying in a holding pattern near CHC, awaiting for the conditions to improve. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1877/3...ce12a923_b.jpg |
In Christchurch, SQ uses the Air New Zealand Lounge, which I guess most other international airlines also do. With only a handful of international flights to serve, the lounge was not too big, but was comfortable and has all the necessary amenities.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1849/4...abed8703_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1897/3...f6f44726_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1876/2...ab6d0062_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1945/4...f114d5aa_b.jpg Work area of PCs. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1862/4...0708cd86_b.jpg The buffet area, which was serving breakfast at this time. Selection was basic and choices limited. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1972/4...051fd2fc_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1854/4...8cde2ac1_b.jpg Beverages area. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1935/4...5a3efe65_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1875/4...fb4f6b57_b.jpg There are well-equipped and clean shower rooms, stocked with Antipodes products. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1885/4...88da41fb_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1869/4...06e56750_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1975/4...4e360850_b.jpg |
My breakfast selection from the buffet.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1915/4...50cfb28b_b.jpg We were continuously kept updated on the status of our flight by a SQ representative at the lounge. The flight held in the air for an hour and started the approach into CHC for a landing almost an hour behind schedule. Luckily the arrival flight had fuel to spare! Our new STD was pushed back by an hour as well. The aircraft finally landed an hour behind schedule, and was the first arrival after the fog partially lifted. The breakfast buffet selection was cleared for lunch, and some cheeses, sandwiches and dessert were brought out. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1880/4...557e632f_b.jpg Had a tea and red velvet cake during the wait. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1934/4...b96e5d09_b.jpg Left the lounge when it was near boarding and spotted a SQ B772 aircraft parked ahead. Or issit?? Haha, it was the titleless NZ-leased ex-SQ B772ER aircraft which had just arrived from AKL after the fog lifted. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1884/4...abfc1bbb_b.jpg Our aircraft was parked right at the far end of the terminal. So we have 2 SQ aircraft (including the NZ-leased plane) on the ground in CHC. A rare sight. The skies were now clear blue, a start contrast from just 2 hours earlier. There was a separate waiting area for priority passengers. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1863/4...dd8938cf_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1862/4...89728058_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1861/4...b8158044_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1942/4...172f529c_b.jpg 27 August 2018 Singapore Airlines SQ 298 Christchurch (CHC) - Singapore (SIN) B777-200ER 9V-SVC Business Class Flight Time: 10H23M After a short wait, boarding was called and we were invited to board. The ground staff were so relieved that the aircraft landed, albeit a bit delayed, as it averted the need to handle a flight diversion and lengthy delay. One of the staff said they even thanked the captain of the incoming flight for landing the aircraft! 9V-SVC, a retrofitted B772ER with the 2006 products and updated IFE, would be operating the flight. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1950/4...082c867c_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1881/4...ce31260e_b.jpg With only one aerobridge at the gate, we boarded from Door 2 and turned left into the Business cabin. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1853/4...f14c635c_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1896/4...ecacb2a1_b.jpg |
The Business Class seat on the B772ER needs no introduction as they are the classic 2006 Long-haul J seats, also still found on most A380s and a couple of B77Ws. The B772ER Business cabin is fitted with 26 seats.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1953/3...1e4c61d2_b.jpg Home for the next 10.5hrs. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1979/3...ecb5cf59_b.jpg Clear sunny skies outside. Where has the fog disappeared to? https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1888/3...10cfe5ca_b.jpg Slippers, socks and eyeshades were already placed on the seat. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1968/3...863e48b1_b.jpg Noise-cancellation headphones. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1950/3...18ae3932_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1930/4...2c4bdf18_b.jpg Inflight magazines and IFE guide. The September issues and IFE selections were newly loaded even though it was still the month of August. SQ normally updates its entertainment selection ahead of the start of the month. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1954/4...126d68f5_b.jpg IFE controller and seat controls. IFE controller was still the old-styled ones and there were no USB ports, only the traditional empower electrical outlets. This was even though economy was re-retrofitted with the hand-me-down old B77W seats with newer IFE controllers and USB ports. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1862/3...52b00b4c_b.jpg No complains about the leg room. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1900/4...9e49b2fb_b.jpg Welcome beverages were offered along with hot towels, and I went for the champagne. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1861/2...ed307148_b.jpg Boarding completed and we pushed back. The US Air Force Antarctic base is at CHC. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1920/2...d6a7ee8b_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1908/4...1576eab3_b.jpg |
Nothing more nervous than waiting for a flight in foggy conditions, wondering if your flight will get in/depart!
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Safety video played.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1846/4...c3c708b2_b.jpg Taxied to the runway. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1889/2...5e1d1fe3_b.jpg We departed from Christchurch Rwy02 about an hour behind schedule. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1899/4...d624e092_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1886/4...fe8efefb_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1930/2...cf30b76a_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1979/2...26af48fd_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1853/4...b1b4ac68_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1888/4...e10542c3_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1964/2...b632a376_b.jpg Video of the taxi and takeoff. Final scenic views of the NZ mountains. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1911/4...057d58bc_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1923/4...e904ec68_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1872/2...f63f0205_b.jpg |
Climbing through the clouds where some turbulence were encountered.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1906/2...f090aca3_b.jpg Firing up he Krisworld entertainment system, I started the flight with Deadpool 2. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1939/4...d6c21404_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1867/2...85385df6_b.jpg When the seatbelt signed were switched off, I made a beeline to the lavatory at the rear of the cabin. Business Class on the B772ER has 2 lavatories for the 26 passengers. The lavs were well-stocked with amenities, including the new Penhaligon amenities. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1869/4...72e53445_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1874/2...8c7673d6_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1895/4...1275887c_b.jpg View of the Business Class cabin. The flight was about 2/3 full in Business, with 4 crew serving us. Post takeoff drinks and satay was being served. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1887/2...c04c6bea_b.jpg I had my delicious satay with a NZ-crafted beer, Hapi Daze, which is only available on flights originating from NZ. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1935/4...3f2fdd14_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1897/4...cfa61184_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1927/4...d8884b28_b.jpg Time to peruse the menu. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1854/3...9784c368_b.jpg Menu for lunch, which would be served about an hour after takeoff. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1968/3...0a83457e_b.jpg |
Mid-flight snacks and dinner before arrival.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1905/4...11b15c62_b.jpg Selections of the SIN-CHC sector for those interested. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1880/4...d6f57531_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1930/2...7670064f_b.jpg The vast beverage selection. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1918/4...a8c84c1d_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1979/4...696d1de1_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1867/2...88ae990e_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1870/4...ac6b1cda_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1980/4...cf2faac0_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1939/2...bb0d6899_b.jpg Lunch service commenced. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1841/4...9d5f6f73_b.jpg The meal trolley rolled down the aisle and my table was set. Starter and selection of breads were offered. I went with garlic bread and lavosh. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1903/2...c116f7ae_b.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1845/4...73868e53_b.jpg |
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