Christchurch, New Zealand (short layover 2017)

30h in Christchurch (December 2017)

• I had the chance of spending day and a half in Christchurch, Southern New Zealand
• I will share a road trip that four of us enjoyed a lot 

Main places visited:

• a) Christchurch (Gondola Mountain, South New Brighton beach)
• b) Arthur's Pass National Park (Castle Hill, Pearson lake, Devil's Punchbowl waterfall)
  

a) Christchurch (Gondola Mountain, South New Brighton beach)

• First day during the afternoon I had time for two short visits nearby
• Gondola Mountain offers lovely views of both Christchurch and the seaside
• You can enjoy an hour trekking to the top which I recommend, or take the gondola (a cable car for 12 NZ dollars each way)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Late that afternoon I went to one of the beach areas closer to Christchurch: South New Brighton
  
  
  
  

b) Arthur's Pass National Park (Castle Hill, Pearson lake, Devil's Punchbowl waterfall)

• Arthur's Pass is 2h drive from Christchurch, and just one hour later you can find the West coast

• On the way to Arthur's Pass there are several attractions and several trekking options
• Leaving Christchurch the landscape starts welcoming you

• Before entering the National Park itself you can find Castle Hill, a beautiful limestone rock formation rich in Maori history and named like that by early European travellers
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Driving a few minutes more you can enjoy a picnic at Pearson lake

• Our last visit for the day (actually the first because we started from furthest to closest) was Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, around 45min drive from Castle Hill
• There is free parking to reach the falls, which are easily reached after a 20 minute walk
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Even if you dare you can enjoy a refreshing bath under the falls :)

• We loved our short time in Southern New Zealand and I personally hope I can visit many other places soon

Accra, Ghana (short layover 2017)

40h in Accra (December 2017)

• I only spent day and a half in Accra so I could not explore best attractions in the country but still will share a few options to visit and enjoy in Accra

Main places visited:

• a) Labadi beach
• b) James Town (Lighthouse, Makola market, Kwame Nkrumah park, Independence square, Osu Castle)
  

a) Labadi beach:

• One of the nicest beaches in Accra, with a few bars and restaurants, reggae nights and a good atmosphere (maybe too many locals trying to sell souvenirs but still good vibe)
• I went by public bus from the airport (7km) for less than 2 Cedis (quarter of a euro) 
  

b) James Town (Lighthouse, Makola market, Kwame Nkrumah park, Independence square, Osu Castle):

• One of the oldest districts in Accra, is today a mixed between commercial and residential use with some attractions, but being honest, do not expect much
• James Town Lighthouse is one of the icons in this district. The beach nearby is packed with very humble houses looking like Brazilian favelas

• Makola market is a huge chaotic commercial area

• Kwame Nkrumah Park & Mauseoleum is dedicated to Ghana's first President who obtained independence from the UK in 1957
  
• In a roundabout nearby you can see the Independence square together with a large public space by the coast called the Black Star Square where independence parade takes place every 6th March
  
• The most beautiful area I visited was Osu Castle, not inside as I was not allowed that day, but by the coast

• I am looking forward to visit Ghana properly and have better info but hope this bit helps :)