Christchurch

---

Well, I'm sure you are all hearing so much about Christchurch that anything we add will be a little pointless. Fortunately we had an early morning flight on the day of the earthquake and left a little under six hours before it struck for Melbourne.

The damage from the previous one was very evident in the city with damaged buildings and fenced off areas where reconstruction was taking place. We were staying very much in the centre where the damage is and were in fact outside the cathedral the evening before taking photos. The luck of time eh!
On the day before the disaster we travelled out to a nearby (50 miles) coastal town called Akoroa. A very pretty town which was the site of the first French settlers in New Zealand. There is a notable French influence even today with buildings that resemble those in France and even signs written in French. A very pretty town and again a terrific journey through the never ending and wonderful countryside.

Now it iis time that I brought you up to date with Shirley's navigation during what has been in the region of approximately 3000 miles of driving across both islands. Great progress has been made and we have progressed from directions such as over there, follow that car up there, and we have established exactly what is left and what is right. Now having said all of that she really has done a great job and managed to get us into all of the cities direct to our hotels etc without little more that needing to go around the block to find them. We have also managed to navigate the whole (or very nearly) of both islands safely and without taking the wrong road once to my knowledge. Oh yes and she has even taken a go at driving.

I have included a photo of me with our hire car.

---

Comments

[Charl]

The luck of time indeed!! Looks a pretty horrific situation out there now. Glad you both enjoyed New Zealand. Enjoy all that Australia has to offer xxx

[marl]

happy now
Thanks you two you gave me one sleepless night but happy now. love your hired car but did,nt see Shirls big hat. loving the photos. Take carexx

[Kath B]

Christchurch
Got to be your best blog yet, knowing you're safe! Looking forward to OZ can you bring me back a koala bear? xx

[Kathryn]

So pleased you are both safe...I was very worried yesterday!!! I hope you enjoy your time in Australia, it looks like you have had an amazing time so far, loving your blogs and photos. Love to you both xxx

[Kieron]

all i can say is you lucky buggers!!! looking forward to hearing about oz and seeing more photos love to you both xxxx

[Nibseys Tours]

Thank you Kathryn, hope you are ok, and that work is not too stressful.

[Nibseys Tours]

Thanks for the concern Kath, it looks pretty bad there doesn't it.