I have just returned from a few days in
Christchurch staying with Denise. We explored some areas that were new to both
of us.
Gore Bay is about an
hour’s drive north, on the coast near Cheviot. It’s one of those classic Kiwi
beaches, packed for the new year holiday.
The beach is fringed by bush and a few
baches.
There was a great example of sand castle
building.
On the way back we stopped to sample the
wares of
Brew Moon.
New for me bit not Denise was the Cliff
Walk from Diamond Harbour to Purau.
This lovely little ketch looks like a model
out on
Lyttleton
Harbour.
This is the sad remains of the hotel
that used to be in Diamond Harbour (another victim of the earthquakes). We
visited it in early
in 2010 – just before the big earthquake.
Just beyond Purau, at the end of a gravel
road is Camp Bay. Definitely need to go back there and explore some more.
On New Year’s Day we went into the central
city. Most of the cbd is now accessible. Vast areas have been cleared, prior to
redevelopment. There is no resolution to the question of what to do with the
cathedral. The government want to demolish it, many locals want to repair or
rebuild.
Things are slowly happening and economic activity
returning. The tram service, popular with tourists, has recommenced on a reduced
route,
The new
cardboard cathedral
has opened.
It’s surprisingly open and airy inside.
At the rear is the 185 empty chairs
memorial.
This is all that remains of the wonderful
institution that was the original Twisted Hop. At least the brewery has
reopened in another part of town.
