Grandpas Guide to Driving in Prebbleton
A warm evening to you my dear readers. I just had my afternoon nap and I had a wonderful dream. It’s about traveling to certain place. I can’t remember exactly where the place was but the place in my dream reminds me of my trip to the town of Prebbleton. The look of the surroundings is quite alike. Hmm. I think instead of too much thinking and figuring what that place was, I’ll share with you my trip to Prebbleton.
I think I’ll start with a little description of this cozy town.
Prebbleton is a small town in the region of Canterbury in New Zealand. It is approximately 11 km southwest from the center of Christchurch and about 2 km south from the outlying industrial suburb of Hornby.
Prebbleton dates back to 1855, when the Prebble brothers settled in the district. The village has been in existence for over 140 years thus, making it one of the earliest communities on the Canterbury Plains. And the population of Prebbleton as of 2001 was about 1,833. And in the last two decades, the town has experienced substantial growth with emergence of several subdivisions.
When I went to this charming town, I was taken aback because I wasn’t expecting to see so much. The experience was truly amazing.
My pit stops:
1. Millbrook ReserveMillbrook Reserve is a small park that lies on the northern bank of the Avon River between Helmores Lane and Rossall Street. It is just 2km from the Cathedral Square and is within walking distance from the North Hagley Park. Access to the Reserve is available from both Rossall Street and Helmores Lane, but from a parking and safety point of the view, Helmores Lane is preferable. The Rossall Street access is on the corner of a narrow one-way traffic street and can only be approached by car from Carlton Mill Road.
MR is notable for its memorial to Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to arrive in New Zealand waters in 1642.
2. Riccarton House & BushThe Riccarton House and Bush is a heritage site which is located in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton —only 3.5 kilometers from the city center.
This place covers almost 12 hectares of beautiful garden and history. They have two historic buildings set in parkland and gardens bordered by the Avon River. They also feature a native forest reserve that has Kahikatea trees that are up to 600 years old.
The site is known to local Maori as “Putaringamotu” or “the place of an echo”. The place was once a home to Canterbury’s pioneering Deans family, the first Europeans to settle on the Plains in 1843.
Visit the site and you will absolutely feel Family’s dramatic story of endurance and tragedy —of dreams, love, and promises. All these are depicted in the site. Guided tours around the House are also available.
The Riccarton House & Bush is a place where you can enjoy relaxing walks through the bush or stroll along the park grounds and see the radiant beauty of a place which was and still enveloped with love.
3. Hagley ParkMy last stop was at the Hagley Park.
Hagley Park is formed of the North and the South Hagley Park, which is separated by Riccarton Avenue. Car parks are available at RIccarton Avenue, Rolleston Avenue, and Armagh Street. But there are also parking spaces available around the perimeter of the park.
The Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s. And today, it is the most significant central city park. It offers a diverse range of entertainment and recreational facilities close to the city center.
It is distinguished for its extensive area of approximately 165 hectares, its wide-open spaces, and mature woodlands. The park is also a major sporting and cultural focal point —with netball courts, a golf course, soccer, and rugby pitches.
Cycle tracks and pathways are also available around the park. For running enthusiast, the North and South Hagley perimeters are about 4.5km and 3.5km respectively. There is also a 17-station fitness circuit along the perimeter track of NHP.
Hagley Golf Club —which has a 12-hole course that is open to both members and non-members— is located on the northern part of the park while the Christchurch Netball Centre is situated on the southern part of the park.
See? I told you that you’ll see a lot. When I went there, I had a car rented from the Vroom Vroom Vroom Company. This company has the best car rentals offers. The truth is that I just accidentally found the site —and I’m really thankful that I found it. If you’re going to visit Prebbleton, don’t forget a car from none other than the Vroom Vroom Vroom Car Rental Company. Just check out this site and see for yourself www.vroomvroomvroom.com.nz.
About my dream! I now remember the place! *laughing* that’s why I thought the place looks totally the same as Prebbleton. It was Prebbleton! *chuckling*
-Granddaddy Benjamin
