Two little things....

Ok so I know there are so many threads similar to these two, thats why I am going to do 2 in 1

Next week we are coming to Christchurch - Yay!
Trying to decide on things to do down there and was wondering from peoples experiences what things are a must do/good value for money, In Christchurch or on the trip down and up (down the West Coast)?
Also it would be lovely to get a chance to meet some of you lovely Christchurch mums and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of somewhere fun to meet (I was thinking Cantebury Museum, or somewhere the kids can play......???)

Secondly, We are going down for MIL's 50th Birthday (and her twin) and I have no idea what to get her??? I had thought of doing a photo on canvas but FIL has already taken than idea.

Willowbank is much better for littles than Orana Park, easier for them to walk round and they are closer to the animals etc.

ummm, it really depends on how much you want to spend on activities. I don't rate the gondola and wouldn't take DS up there yet as he wouldn't quite get it so not worth the money for me, same with the Antarctic centre.

DS loves the Muesum and its all in the central city so youc an head to the gardens for a play and feed the ducks etc.

Down the coast there is a very cool little aquarium in Hoki that is well worth a look - you can feed the massive eels which kids seem to love

Shanty town is not bad either but a little more expensive.

Def keen for a meet up!

Mmm on the willowbank topic - I was there on saturday and it was TERRIBLE! omg.. the paths were all lumpy and bumpy and the wood bits had all nails sticking out, the fencing around the water was NOT good. The animals were all fithy (and i mean real filthy) and everything smelled REAL bad. I wouldnt advise it. Orana Park is good - although it's massive, they have a big tractor train that you can get all the kids on and they drive you round the whole park (great at the end of the day when everyone's tired as)

Gondola is a must - they have an awesome 'history of canterbury' thingee at the top, also the bays and beaches are neat. Botanic gardens are awesome too, HEAPS of room to run around and be crazy. Mt Hutt is still open too if you wanna grab the shuttle and go for a ski!

Yeah, you can totally drive to the mountains to see the snow. That would be cool!

In Akaroa there's not a lot of 'activities' fo kids (that I'm aware of), but there is a general store when you can buy cheap fishing lines and fish off the wharf and a small sandy beach. And if you have the cash I would recommend (for you probably more than the kids) the cruises. They're awesome - dolphins, birds and amazing scenery.

Re a meet up, I work, so if its outside of work hours then I might be able to...(and I could get you some of that chocolate you like! LOL)

yeah i wasnt that impressed by the antarctic centre either and its 48 for adults and 36 for kids...

totally keen for a meetup..when were you thinking?

willowbank miles better for little ones i thought too..

Thankyou all so much for you ideas. Sounds like theres heaps we could choose to keep up busy.

We are going down the Coast so will definately be staying in Kaikoura a night and check out the seals.

I was thinking Wednesday or Thursday, probably (in 2 weeks) for a meetup??

Now does anyone have any idea on presents......??

A calender of the girls? Snapfish do great ones and they are always a hit.

Cool. Will do that. I was thinking more Museum as its something different?? If people would prefer going to lollipops then I'd be happy to do that too.

As for presents I am still stumped, have done the calendar for the last few years She is quite into her crafts so may have a look through some craft shops on our trip down.

I love the idea of the museum I haven't taken the girls there yet as they have always been to young but they would probably love it now