Christchurch was hit in the last years by two major earthquakes – one in 2010 and in one 2011 which produced a lot of destruction and human victims. We were shocked about the extent of the destructions in downtown Christchurch. A lot of large buildings are still standing but it is not allowed to enter them because of the danger of danger of collapse. Only half of the cathedral is standing, the rest is collapsed.
For us it was very depressing to see this. Of course there is a lot of construction activity in the city but this still cannot remove the very sad feeling to see such a disaster. The city is quite empty and even during the day there are only a few people on the streets.
We have seen a nice show with magicians for children and then we visited the botanical garden which is on the major attractions in Christchurch. We admired the huge old trees which require form the rangers a lot of climbing ability. The serenity of this place must be felt to believe.
The touristic tramway in Christchurh is well known for being an excellent restaurant. In the evening we enjoyed a splendid dinner in the tramway. This was a gift from our son.
During the dinner the tramway drives through the city.
The next day we took over our camper from the company Kea Campers and did a lot of shopping. We spent then the first night in the camper on the camping ground. We were very excited because it was our first night ever in the camper but we slept well. In the next two days we visited Lytterton, Akaroa and Bank Peninsula. Akaroa was the site of the first French settlement in NZ. It is a charming town that tries to create the feel of a French provincial village. Afterwards we had a very spectacular drive on the Banks Peninsula with breathtaking views over the water and the mountains.
On Jan 22nd we started our trip through NZ. The first leg was Christchurch to Dunedin (ca. 360 km).
The touristic tramway in Christchurh is well known for being an excellent restaurant. In the evening we enjoyed a splendid dinner in the tramway. This was a gift from our son.
During the dinner the tramway drives through the city.
The next day we took over our camper from the company Kea Campers and did a lot of shopping. We spent then the first night in the camper on the camping ground. We were very excited because it was our first night ever in the camper but we slept well. In the next two days we visited Lytterton, Akaroa and Bank Peninsula. Akaroa was the site of the first French settlement in NZ. It is a charming town that tries to create the feel of a French provincial village. Afterwards we had a very spectacular drive on the Banks Peninsula with breathtaking views over the water and the mountains.
On Jan 22nd we started our trip through NZ. The first leg was Christchurch to Dunedin (ca. 360 km).
