Christchurch 2016

What's covered?

Our previous visit to New Zealand was just after the Christchurch earthquake and our ship docked at Akaroa instead. There was a coach trip to Christchurch but we decided it was too soon afterwards and somehow it didn't feel right to intrude on the local people. Five years on it seemed more appropriate to visit.

We were rather surprised by amount damage still to be seen and the work needed.

15 November

We followed the Tourist Drive as Christchurch was only a short distance away otherwise. This added perhaps thirty minutes but worth every one because of the stunning scenery.

We stopped at Little River where there was a restored railway station with a carriage the same as used on the Taieri Gorge railway.

It was very difficult to access the Rendezvous Hotel because of road closures in the same road and it didn't seem to matter which way we approached it, the route was blocked. Eventually I managed to get some directions that worked.

We had sandwich lunch and a short walk before Gill returned to the hotel because of her developing cold. I walked a bit further before returning.

We had dinner at 27 Steps as recommended by Chris and Annette at The Olive Grove. It was excellent so booked again for tomorrow.

16 November

We woke to a dull but dry morning and by the time we had breakfast, it was too late for the bus tour that Chris and Annette had also recommended. Instead we went to the cardboard cathedral as it is known, or more correctly the transitional cathedral. After the 2011 earthquake one of the cathedral staff read about a Japanese "emergency architect". His expertise was in designing buildings with a planned short lifespan at minimal cost. He donated his services and this building was erected in just two years at a cost of NZ$5M. Although regarded as short term, its estimated lifespan is 50 years.

Afterwards we had lunch at a bakery in New Regent Street, an old street that has been restored.

We just made it in time for the 2pm tour as the start was further away than we had thought. The first hour was on an open bus and by now the sun had come out. The tour covered, Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and River Avon, Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre, the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Bridge of Remberance, Friendship Corner (White chairs), Cashel Street ReStart Shipping Container Mall (shops operating in containers), Christchurch Cathedrals (original and transitional), Art Deco New Regent Street, AMI Stadium and the Catholic Cathedral.

We then transferred to an old London Routemaster bus and went to Mona Vale Gardens for a short walk through, Port Hills high over Christchurch for magnificent views and the seaside town of Sumner.

Another excellent meal at 27 Steps.