Christchurch city of earthquakes

Although we arrived in Christchurch in pouring rain it was good enough to stop for us in the evening.   We met up with Ghislane and Martin (colleagues of Maggie's back in the UK), in the evening and they gave us a quick city tour by car that was fascinating. The family moved to Christchurch after the the 2011 earthquake and Martin's role, as a civil engineer, has been to work on the rebuild along with a workforce of thousands from all over the world. The earthquake lasted 40 seconds and repairs and the rebuild will probably take another 20 years to complete. Martin showed us areas where houses once stood but were now demolished. Oddly, gardens and orchards remained. 80% of the city centre either has, or will be, demolished and re built. A cathedral remains in dangerous condition and in total 185 people died, many of whom were youngsters at a language school. All this could lead you to believe Christchurch is a beaten city, threatened as it is with both more earthquakes in the future and increasing flood levels. The truth is, the city and its people are a resilient lot and the rebuild is in full swing. Some temporary structures like a cardboard cathedral, are testimony to that.

We toured the city on foot the following day, going through Hagley Gardens (which contain beautiful botanical gardens), and visiting the City Museum which contained some wonderful artefacts from the Maori culture.

We visited the site of the greatest devastation caused by the earthquake and took in the temporary tribute to the victims - a collection of white seats each for one of those lost on the day.

You can see the cranes in the background which are just everywhere in the city centre.

We had a great evening on our last night, again with Ghislane and Martin, at their amazing home with daughter Molly and niece Victoria. The food and company, combined with a great day of sightseeing, finished this Christchurch leg just perfectly.

So, it's farewell Christchurch and hello Hanmer Springs, where the Conical Hill walk, golf and natural spa pools await - it's a tough life!