Christchurch

We four wandering women of a certain age, are having  a wonderful time so far in New Zealand. And it has rained every day! And there have been floods so it is unusually wet. But the rain has not been continual and not enough to really spoil our fun, but...This will the first in a series of posts...


CHRISTCHURCH

After picking up our motorhome - all 7 metres of it - we ventured in to the centre of the earthquaked city.

We walked through the botanic gardens to get to the city centre. Yes - it was a bit wet.

We rode the tram with commentary. The tram driver reckons they have had so many after shocks now that they don't get out of bed for anything less than a 4 on the ricktor scale. This is Regent Street which survived as the buildings are from the 1930s and were built with earthquakes in mind. Art deco and very pretty.

The centre of Christchurch lost around 70% of its buildings in the earthquakes. There are many city blocks that have been bull dozed and stand empty. This is what remains of the main cathedral. The church are having high court battles to get permission to demolish. At the moment it is a rather impressive ruin.

There are numerous empty multi story buildings which is quite strange, apocolyptic. And some very good street art on bare walls.

And  a small really cool, vibrant street of shops made from shipping containers. Michelle and I shared a delicious butter chicken pizza here.