Christchurch

It's been a shock returning to this city to see the effects of the series of earthquakes that started shortly after my first visit in 2010. Thousands of aftershocks and new earthquakes of varying severity have hit the city since, the last major one only a few days ago. Nothing has happened during my stay here, but I still have half a day left. 

Walking around what used to be the city centre, it's like a post-apocalyptic disaster movie. Entire city blocks no longer exist. It's hard to know when you have arrived in the CBD, as it is mostly car parks and vacant lots. The entire city centre was closed off for several years, and it's surreal to see single buildings still standing with some cafés, restaurants, and shops still open for business. It would be difficult to spend any length of time downtown, as there aren't enough commercial ventures to keep one busy. There is construction going on everywhere, but many years have passed and many more will pass before Christchurch becomes a city again.

There is a new shopping centre of sorts, re:start, consisting of small businesses housed in containers. It's full of bearded manboys, drinking latte from paper mugs and waiting to take over the world. Most of the razed city blocks are either vacant, being built on, turned into parks or temporary art installations. I have some photos from my first visit in 2010 to compare against the new ones I've taken on this visit.

I did the gondola and the city tram last time, so no need to pay for that again. This time, I went to the Ferrymead Heritage Park, an open air museum with historical buildings, a running tram line, and several historical vehicles on display. They also run a steam train every first Sunday of the week, and that adds another $10 to the admission fee. It was a very nice visit, as the place was not very busy. I actually wanted to spend a day learning to drive a heritage tram, but that was not possible during the dates I was in town. Guess that means I have to come back to Christchurch again!

The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve was also a nice experience, and I even got to see some of New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi. After that I spent some time walking around the Botanic Garden. I also went out to the seaside, New Brighton and Sumner, and I found the latter much nicer.

I also have to give my review of the public transport system. There is, of course, a plastic card... It costs $10 plus a piece of your privacy. You have to give up your name, address, email, and phone number, and also show your ID! Never had to do that anywhere else in NZ. Once you have the card, you can only top up multiples of $10 - so plan your travel in advance. And of course, the card is non-refundable. I wish NZ would get one card that works in all cities. The Netherlands have managed, so it can be done.

Advantages using the card:

1. One journey is $2.50, as opposed to $3.50 for a single ticket.
2. You get unlimited free transfers within 2 hours with the card; only one transfer on a single ticket.
3. There is a daily cap of $5, something that is not widely publicised. I only found out by talking to a bus driver. Also, if you hit the cap Monday-Friday, you get to travel for free on the weekend!
4. A journey to the airport costs $2.50 with the card, but $8 if you pay cash on the day!

The couple I'm staying with are great. I've mostly had time to chat to the guy, who is Dutch, and he's top quality. A very good first experience of AirBnB.

Good-bye for this time, New Zealand. Noho ora mai. Ka kite anō!