Christchurch, New Zealand

Much of City Center (especially tourist spots) were closed

Leaving Akaroa and Coombe Farm was a bit hard to do as it was so peaceful!  I navigated the roads back into Christchurch, which reminded me a lot of suburbia in the Bay Area.  It was challenging to find my accommodations as a majority of city center is inaccessible, now nearly one year after the earthquake.  They are still having some plate shifting here and there was a small quake when I was having breakfast in Akaroa - felt like I was in CA!

  

Earthquake Damage in Christchurch

                               

   

   City Center, Christchurch

After a frustrating start continually coming up against closed roads, I found my accommodations, dropped my stuff, and headed out on foot to walk the city.  Unfortunately, my place to stay was east of the inaccessible portion of city center, and the thriving part of the city was on the west side.  So this took many  blocks of walking and map reading and asking for directions to find my way over to where there were some things to see and do.    I saw many abandoned homes and buildings, all the art museums were closed and roped off, and there was little in the way of tourist attractions still open.  It definitely had a feeling of depression and abandonment.  Christchurch has a long way to go until they've recovered.  Thankfully, the Botanic Gardens were open and I spent a good amount of time wandering the grounds. 

Within the Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Dahlia

                 

 Botanic Gardens

After exploring the gardens and smelling the flowers, I walked along the Avon River and enjoyed watching "punting the Avon", a popular tourist activity and good way to view the city.

Punting the Avon River

After seeing all that there was to see, I headed home and turned in early for the night.  I arose early this morning, drove 1.5 hours northwest to Hanmer Springs, and have an afternoon of pampering planned at the famous Hanmer Springs Spa.  : )