of the
CHCH Casino. It's not very 
large,
but does have blackjack tables ($2.50 min. bet) and a reasonable variety of
nickel slot machines for Dick.Christchurch Photos December 24, 1999
Here are a few photos of Christchurch (CHCH) for your enjoyment. Happy Holidays!!!
Here's a photo of the
CHCH Casino. It's not very large,
but does have blackjack tables ($2.50 min. bet) and a reasonable variety of
nickel slot machines for Dick.
At the right is the place we had
dinner our first night in town. It 's part of a lively row of pubs, cafes
and restaurants. Everyone was in very high spirits that evening,
especially 
the
guy in the funky chicken outfit; people were buying him drinks. It's
now a week later and we haven't had a warm balmy evening since. If you
look closely or click on the picture you'll probably be able to see Dick at the
right edge of the photo, above.
Other
sights in CHCH include the river Avon, which meanders through downtown and where
one can go punting, or can be punted around. 
I
took this photo across the street from our apartment.
Not far from CHCH is New Brighton Beach, where surfers ride the waves dressed in wet suits, just like in California. There are miles and miles of beaches in New Zealand. These here in Chch are sandy, but we've seen shell beaches, black sand beaches and smooth rock beaches as well.
A
CHCH favorite destination is Hagley Park. It's a few blocks from downtown
and will be the site for the fireworks and entertainment for the Millennium
Celebration. The Park includes lovely botanical gardens (the roses are
currently the most spectacular blooms), several types of sports fields and this
attractive fountain.