Christchurch

Yesterday the 11th of November we left Glentanner Park and the Pukaki Lake for the last 330 km to Christchurch. Again we woke up with the beautiful view on Mt Cook. Early in the morning is the best time before the clouds start coming in. We are early today and are en route by 8.30. Mt Cook is following us for a large part on the way to Lake Takapo. One of the other lakes with exceptionally blue water. It is a phenomenon which has to do with stones which are grained like flour and the sunlight. The village Lake Takapo is a surprise, more in a negative sense than in a positive one. All in a sudden you see shops,motels and restaurants and many busses loaded with Chinese people. There is also a small church wich is worth a visit, but Per did not want to make a picture with so many Chinese around.

After leaving Lake Takapo the nature changed. We had the feeling of driving on the bottom of a volcano, it was very dry and bare.

After having turned on the SH1, the nature became more green and friendly. We decided to make a last stop before arriving in Christchurch to have a quick bite. When we were ready to leave, we saw our Dutch friends driving into the parking lot. Of cause we had to talk with them before carrying on. As both our travel agency and theirs recommended a restaurant called Dux Dine in Christchurch, we thought it would be nice if we could have dinner there together. And so it became.  We enjoyed a good meal and said goodby for maybe the third time.

Since we arrived relatively early in CHC, we had time to stroll around in the centre of town. The city centre was severely damaged due to the two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. A visit to the Earthquake centre was very informative. Among others 186 people died due to the quake. However, the community and the inhabitants are working hard to rebuild what was destroyed and after all they have come a long way.

Monday was about the warmest day we have had in NZ, 30 degrees. When we woke up today, Tuesday, the weather was still beautiful and it remained so on our way to the airport. However, when we sat in the lounge, it started to rain. The Kiwis  certainly are very happy with that.

So, it is time to say goodbye to NZ and a lovely holiday.