New Zealand - Christchurch

After a rainy day at Akaroa where our nature cruise was cancelled, we came back to Christchurch (where it rained on us occasionally) to walk around the center of the city.  We were staying across the street from the famous Christchurch Cathedral that was heavily damaged in the 2011 earthquake.  Much of downtown had been damaged and remains boarded up or has been leveled to the ground.  The pictures below of the church show the intense damage, and even after 3 years, no significant progress has been made to restore the once beautiful church.

Off to the Botanic Gardens for some exercise (i.e., the girls had some energy they needed to get out) and views of the beautiful scenery in Christchurch.

Some magnificent trees.

And some beautiful Hydrangea that Kristin loved.

And pictures of the family.

A Kiwi, made of pine cones and sticks.

Trolley cars help move tourists through the center of Christchurch.

After the earthquake, many of the downtown businesses could no longer operate out of the existing buildings.  In an innovative solution, Christchurch created a "container" shopping and eating area in downtown Christchurch because it could be erected quickly.  A very unique shopping and eating experience ... but yet very elegant in a rustic sort of way.

Wood fired pizza in the container shopping area. It had stopped raining at this time, but was very chilly.  The girls enjoyed the wood fired heater to keep warm.

Some views of downtown Christchurch, where the damage was most intense.  Not a beautiful sight as they continue to rebuild.