Rated 4 Star by Qualmark NZ.
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Welcome to Cedarview Farm Homestay B+B.We first purchased our land in 1998.At that time the block was bare except for the large Pine hedge along the North west fenceline.We had our new home designed,built and ready to move into around May 2000.The house is a total of 339m2.Designed with earthquakes in mind our home has with-stood many severe quakes plus countless aftershocks.The following report was written recently by "Errol Hunt" an author for the Lonely Planet travel guide."Back to Christchurch: the latest post-quake update"
•Errol Hunt
•Lonely Planet Author
"A recent trip back to Christchurch confirmed what we’ve been hearing: that while still bearing the scars of February’s quake, the city is back on its feet as far as welcoming travellers. And that staying in Christchurch for two or three days is now thoroughly worthwhile.
The central city remains cordoned off, a relatively small area, but one where the city’s main shops, restaurants and bars were clustered, not to mention its iconic Cathedral. Here’s a wrap of where things are at:
The guidebook
After February’s earthquake, our New Zealand guidebook’s Christchurch content has been severely compromised (or to put it in NZ terms, it’s munted). We’ve removed from the website any business, activity or landmark that’s closed. Sights and activities
Most sights and activities in and around Christchurch remain open, certainly plenty to fill a few days based here. Attractions in the city include the Willowbank wildlife and Maori culture centre, the Antarctic Centre and punting on the Avon river. The Cathedral Square market has reopened at the YMCA carpark on Cashel St, and the displaced Arts Centre market is now at Ferrymead Heritage Centre every weekend. The Art Gallery and Museum will reopen in July and the gondola in October. See here for a constantly updated list. And as always the city is a great base for exploring Akaroa and other nearby localities.
Any traveller in the city since February has spent at least some time looking at some of the damaged buildings. Travellers are joined at the cordon’s edge by locals doing the same thing, the mood usually one of somber reflection, as well as simple awe at the sight of some devastated buildings. No-one standing there forgets that deaths occurred in many of these now-ruined buildings.
Sleeping
While a large number of central-city accommodation providers have closed, plenty remain open. See the local tourism website for a complete list of operating accommodation.
Eating
The city’s thriving downtown eateries were hit hard, although the famous Oxford St restaurants are hoping to open by the end of October. Meanwhile, some operators are filling the gap, including the very traveller-savvy Addington Coffee Coop, the funky Banks St Café and Canterbury Cheesemongers. A good online article gives some recent additions, and a full list of open restaurants can be found here.
Drinking and entertainment
The central city bars are yet to be replaced by any viable alternative, and one common quandary travellers report is a lack of good nightlife options. Other than isolated suburban bars, central city travellers are heading to three main places, none of them world class…
• The bogan bars of Riccarton, 3km west of the city. University students too have turned to these bars for night-time entertainment, prompting the local council to smack a liquor ban on the streets at night. There’s decent shopping nearby.
• The more genteel bars of Merivale, 3km northwest of the CBD. A little snooty for our tastes, but near some good eating options.
• A couple of good bars down Lincoln Rd in Addington, just southwest of the CBD.
There are also two magnificent places re-opened through the tunnel at Lyttleton: the wonderful Wunderbar, and the live-performance venue Loons.
Around Christchurch
Other than Christchurch and Lyttleton, wider Canterbury wasn’t damaged by February’s quake and has remained ‘open for business’, although like the whole South Island, they’ve seen a sharp downturn in traveller numbers. Akaroa, Kaikoura and Hanmer are all unaffected and as fabulous as ever, while skiers are sharpening their poles in anticipation of the ski season opening at Methven, Mt Hutt, and other nearby ski fields.
Information and transport
The city information centre has relocated to the Chateau on the Park hotel, near Hagley Park. City buses and intercity buses are operating as usual, and the fabulous TranzAlpine continues to run between the city and the West Coast. More details on transport updates here.
PS. A word about the Rugby World Cup
There’s no more rugby-focused part of NZ than Christchurch, and the city took an un-needed extra blow when this year’s Rugby World Cup games had to be relocated due to quake damage to the city’s stadium. To make sure they’re still involved, the city is setting up what’s described as a ‘fan zone’ in the central city in Hagley Park. For the duration of the RWC, there will be music, big-screen live TV, activities, and hordes of Kiwi supporters. If you’re in the South Island during the tournament, and want to immerse yourself in the country’s national obsession, our advice would be spend a bit of time in Christchurch.
Christchurch is certainly still reeling after February’s belly punch, and the locals are understandably sick of all the bloody aftershocks. But there’s an air of recovery too. For travellers, Christchurch is again a valid destination in its own right. And for travellers wanting to help, the best way to do so would be to aid the economy by visiting. (And to be perfectly mercenary, you’ll seldom find a better chance for experiencing the South Island with reduced tourist numbers.)
Further reading: read updates from Lonely Planet staff and travellers."
........................................................................................... You can see by the photos shown on our web site we are keen animal lovers although we do not allow any of our pets inside the house.Our home is also smoke free as are all New Zealand restaurants,bars & public buildings.We have three guest bedrooms.They are all upstairs and vary in size.Our biggest bedroom is the Garden Suite.It offers a King Bed,TV,two Easy Chairs,Tea/Coffee Facilities & an Ensuite Bathroom.(see pic top right)This lovely bright spacious room over looks our front lawn & Garden areas.The Stables Room with a Queen bed & TV while not huge has every thing you may need for a good nights sleep.(top left pic).It has views out towards the front of our property & horse stables.The Pines Room(left middle pic) has two single beds and is ideal for children.It overlooks the long Pine hedge and down towards the southern most suburb of Christchurch called Templeton.Both the Stables & Pines rooms share their own large and private bathroom which is just adjacent on the landing.Please note we never expect guests to share this bathroom with anyone other than their own family or group.The Stables & Pines are ideal for a family of 3/4 people.On the landing there is a tourist information table,Fridge,Tea/Coffee Facilities.Please note that we can only ever have a maximum of two people per room and an overall total of six people at any one time.There are no cooking facilities in any of our rooms but we can give advice as regards local restaurants.Our rates range between NZ $145 to NZ $185.00 per double and from NZ $125 per single.Our rates are inclusive of all taxes.Breakfast either continental or cooked is included.There are no hidden extras.Our home also has free wireless internet for those of you who travel with a laptop.If traveling with children please let us know their ages and we will get back to you with a quote.As of October 2011 we already have confirmed bookings upto the end of March 2012 so if you are considering staying with us prior bookings are advisable.These rates are valid until the 31st of March 2012.Our passions include our Family,our home,animals,travel & being great hosts.We hope to hear from you soon.
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