Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, with a population of about 330,000.  An earthquake in February, 2011 resulted in 187 deaths, mainly due to commercial buildings collapsing.  The city is in the midst of rebuilding, so there is construction everywhere and several roads were closed to traffic. New earthquake regulations now only allow buildings to be 8 stories tall.  The old Gothic cathedral was severely damaged and is still being rebuilt.  In the meantime, a temporary, A-frame church constructed partially of cardboard is being used for services.

 Christchurch is called the city of gardens.  Hagley Park, 167 acres, is the 3rd largest park in the world.  Within the park is a beautiful botanical garden containing roses and tropical plants in a greenhouse.  Avon River runs through the park is used for punting, riding in a flat-bottom boat that is pushed along by a guide with a long pole.  It is similar to gondolas seen in Venice, Italy.  We also visited the Canterbury Museum, which had a very nice collection of old artifacts.

At Christchurch botanical garden

Tropical plants in the greenhouse at the botanical garden

The temporary "Cardboard Church" being used while
cathedral is repaired after the 2011 earthquake.

The harbor at Christchurch

The end of the church collapsed during the 2011 earthquake

The original wooden snow mobile used in Antarctica; on display in Canterbury museum

Fountain outside the botanical garden and Hagley Park

Gardens at Hagley Park

"Punting" on the Avon River.  Similar to gondola rides in Venice.

Cable car in Christchurch