Christchurch

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We flew into Christchurch yesterday over some amazing views of the mountains. It was like looking down on a set from The Lord of the Rings with snow capped peaks and huge lakes.

Today we went on a great open topped bus tour of Christchurch with an excellent guide who was not only informative but had us in stitches all the way round. It is only when you are here that you can appreciate the extent of the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes. Over 1600 buildings were either destroyed by the quakes or have had to be demolished because they are unsafe or the ground is now unsafe for them. There are still 60 to 70 still to be demolished but amongst all this there is a hive of rebuilding. Indeed the city is like a huge building site and yet still retains it's unique charm. It really is a beautiful place that is very British in its atmosphere. There is a very ambitious plan in place for the rebuild with restrictions on the height of new builds ( only 7 storeys allowed) , earthquake proof features for all buildings, precincts for specific purposes such as health, leisure, IT, and justice and many new green areas and recreational facilities. The citizens of Christchurch have had a big input into the ideas and although the bill is eye-wateringly high, they are determined to make it happen.

On our walkabout, which took most of the day, we came across three wizards......honest. They were having a cup of tea at the next table to us and we realised the main one is featured in the D&K guide book of New Zealand. Penny made a new friend to go with the koala from Oz!!! All the people we spoke to are so upbeat about the future for this city, they are determined and resilient and it would be nice to be able to come back in five years to see the result of the grand plan.

Tomorrow it's on to the next leg of our journey to Lake Tekapo.

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Photos

Wow what a view of The Mount Cook mountain range and glaciers.

Penny's second friend------is this Gandalph?

Christchurch Cathedral now.:(

Cathedral of The Blessed Sacraments.

Punting on the River Avon

Comments

[linda]

Hi Penny&Chad We'll I am finally back in the land of Internet ( thanks to Ruth telling me to go buy a I pad ) Enjoying al your pics and letters it sounds like a fab 5 weeks holiday you are having all John keeps saying is fabulous again and again . Just to make you both feel sorry for us here it's cold wet and now it's started snowing . love to you both Linda &John x x

[anneg]

So pleased to hear of all your adventures and to be kept up to date! Loved picture of Penny and the wizard...You are certainly missing some horrid weather and very heavy rainfalls in the UK. lots of love Anne