We have arrived in New Zealand

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

We arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand on Wednesday after a 2 hour flight. Christchurch has a population of approximately 400,000 people. The oldest established city in New Zealand dating back to 1856.

We are spending some time with friends we met in Europe last year, MIchelle & Ian and their family. They live in an inner city suburb on the port hills called Cashmere. Their home is beautiful and was built in the early 1920's.

The city was hit by a massive earthquake 8 years ago, 185 people were killed and injuring many more. We visited the artistic installation in the CBD of 185 empty white chairs, symbolising the lives lost in earthquake. 75% of all buildings in the CBD were severely damaged and had to be demolished.

The iconic Anglican Cathedral in the CBD was also damaged and had to be evacuated and assessed. Several after shocks broke the iconic rose stained glass window. A temporary church was constructed of shipping containers and cardboard, it is designed to last for 50 years. What an incredible structure, which also had photos of the vast destruction of the earthquake. It will still be many years until the Cathedral is rebuilt.

We then travelled by car with MIchelle and Ian to their holiday house in a small town called Hanmer Springs, 130km from Christchurch. We travelled through the wine region called Waipara and stopped for lunch and did some tastings at Black Estate, setting the tone for a wonderful day. They have some nice Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, just amazing.

Chill Drink

Lunch was spectacular looking over the mountains and vineyards.

Hanmer Springs is a famous for its thermal springs, jet boating and is a popular tourist attraction. A small alpine village, population of 1000 permanent residents, with snow on the mountains in the winter time. They have great little pubs, restaurants and boutique shops. We had a nice dinner at Restaurant No 31, with local wines and lamb shoulder for 2 on the menu. We swam in the thermal baths. There were 15 pools, the temperatures ranging from 28-42 degrees, it was my kind of swimming and once we got out we felt reinvigorated.

Today we went into town and visited the wall of remembrance of the earthquake that shocked the region 8 years ago today, we are saddened by the emotion and the stress this has caused our friends Ian and Michelle.

We had a beautiful dinner along the river and watched the chinese lantern festival.

We also visited the Anglican Cathedral and what remains of the iconic church. We have been told the Anglican parish are now willing to pay for its restoration to get it back to itis former glory.

We have had a wonderful stay in Christchurch and enjoyed catching up with our Michelle and Ian. What great memories , thank you.