In the fall of 2010 and the spring of 2011 an earthquake and a major aftershock rocked the City of Christchurch. Building and infrastructure damage was extensive and 185 people lost their lives, 105 in the collapse of just one building, the CTV Building. The city has made great strides in rebuilding though there are some major projects in process, like the rebuilding of the Christchurch Cathedral and the One New Zealand Stadium.

The Canterbury University campus buildings are nearing the completion of the reconstruction.

Quite a bit of the city is new and vibrant as a result of the new beginnings, including the residential district next to Rauro Park where our apartment is located. Bikes and e-scooters are everywhere, riders taking advantage of the multitude of dedicated bike lanes.

The Avon River also loops through the city center, embellished by walking paths, terraces, landscaping and also that British bastion, the punting boats.

At the west end of the city are the Botanical Gardens. As it is spring here the roses were in full display.

One of the great transportation values, and which turned out to be quite entertaining courtesy of the conductors, are the trolley (tram) circuits through the central city. For $20 NZD per person one can ride all day and hop on and off as many times as you like (there are 18 tram stops and the coaches are all restored cars – circa early 1900’s).

Could be Hogwarts??…

And then there was a Mini attached to the side of this building!

And that was before we had indulged in this…

Just a prerequisite for an excursion about 30 minutes north tomorrow to the vineyards of the Waipara Valley. Cheers all!