Fred and Myrtle's Paua Shell House

The Paua Shell House as it came to be known, was situated at 258 Marine Parade, Bluff, near Invercargill in the far south of New Zealand. Over the years, Fred and Myrtle Flutey decorated their home with thousands of paua shells and became a famous attraction in the area. On their death, their grandson purchased their home and loaned the collection to the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch. The house was recreated within the museum and using photos, the collection was repositioned as it was in the original home. The display is free to enter and includes a short film about the Flutey’s and their unusual hobby.

Botanic Gardens Christchurch

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are well established and date back to 1863 when the first oak tree was planted. Well known features of the gardens include the Peacock Fountain, the rose garden and the hot houses. Displays in these conservatories range from orchids, to cacti, to ferns, to tropical plants. The rose garden is home to 104 beds and a profusion of climbing, standard and Hybrid Tea modern garden roses. The RiverAvon winds its way through the gardens and a pond attracts ducks and other birds. A tearoom offers refreshments and it’s the perfect place for a family outing or a romantic date. The gardens are open from 7am to 9pm.