Travelling to Christchurch

We reluctantly said goodbye to Gordon and Margaret, then set off towards Christchurch, travelling over the hills to Blenheim, and then down the coast via Kaikoura to Christchurch.    A picturesque journey, typical of New Zealand.

After we left Blenheim, we noticed the hills of Malborough were very dry and brown, which reminded me so much of the hills surrounding McLaren Vale in South Australia.    Both excellent wine growing areas.   Obviously the combination of cold winters and hot dry summers suit the grapes.

 As in the lower hills of South Australia, the green of the vines contrast with the brown hills.

 Morning coffee!     Hurray we said.  A picturesque stop.   The old railway tearooms converted into a cafe.  Note the Coca Cola bill board, and the painted toilets.   All very colourful.    The coffee was not good though.    I suppose you get a dud one every now and again.

 The sea and mountains.    The road follows the railway line through the area around Kaikoura.   So beautiful.     We had our last feed of blue cod and chips in Kaikoura.    They lived up to our expectations.

We could not resist stopping to look at the seals.    Always a highlight on this road.

 And finally we stopped at the city centre in Christchurch.    A very sad stop.    It looked as if the city had been caught in a war.    For those people who do not come from New Zealand, imagine that the complete centre of the city where you live has been nearly destroyed and is currently behind high fences. Very distressing, and Christchurch used to be called the Garden City, but not any more.    The buildings behind this fence are only a small proportion of the total area.    The buildings that are remaining have yet to be pulled down or tested to see if they can with stand more earthquakes.   The flowers on the fence, as with the many other flowers around, are left behind after the memorial service last Wednesday.

 These buildings are outside the centre zone, but are still being demolished.

 It would appear that the roof of this church is going to be saved.

Then we went to visit my Aunt and Uncle, Bill and Muriel, who are thankful that they live on solid ground near the airport.     All the same they have just had their front room and kitchen repaired and painted.

And yesterday we said a sad farewell to New Zealand, and left by plane, bound for Singapore.