Punting down the Avon River

Evan and I had been awaiting our date to go punting on the Avon, the river that begins and ends in Christchurch, and that runs through the city center. I had arranged to meet Evan in the city between 3:30 and 3:45, but I had been held up at school.  When I arrived our meeting spot at 3:58, Evan was in a panic as he had already paid for our boat trip, and the last boat was scheduled to leave at 3:50.  We ran as fast as we could through the city to the river, making it just as the boat was disembarking! Thankfully the driver held our spot and we enjoyed a romantic stroll on the Avon. 

Front row seat!

Everything included...even a blanket to share for warmth.

The view from the boat. The willows along the bank of the river were a gift from France, as New Zealand came very close to becoming a French colony. The willows were grown from stem cuttings of those that adorn the area over Napoleon Bonaparte's grave. 

Our punting guide and driver.