Christchurch, New Zealand

The devastation of last year’s earthquake was clearly apparent in Christchurch as it’s boarded-up downtown and deserted streets reminded us of the natural disaster at every street corner.  We shunned the GPS to the glove box, as it continued to direct us towards demolished buildings via closed roads.  The infrastructure revitalization was underway with construction crews dominating the cityscape - we can only express optimism that the city regains its vibrance in the next few years as structures and roads come back online. 

We elected instead to tour the “Alpine Pacific Triangle,” a scenic tourist driving route from Christchurch north along the ocean to Kaikoura, then westward through the mountains to Hanmer Springs, and finally back to Christchurch.  

Kaikoura, a small hamlet set on the eastern coast between the snow-capped mountains and the ocean, was residence for dolphins, whales, and seals.  The inland drive westward led us between mountains teeming with thousands, no tens of thousands, of sheep, cows, and llamas.  (And for context, Ken’s first electrocution occurred via electric fence trying to snatch the top picture in this post for me: what a great husband!)  

Hanmer Springs presented itself as a high-end spa/golf/ski destination, famed for its hot springs.  The swimming pools seemed a bit manufactured, so we instead took advantage of a nature hiking opportunity through towering trees.  

We rounded out the drive by returning to Christchurch, stopping at wineries along the way.  Our final day was consumed re-packing our worn backpacks, donating our accumulated campervan gear, and returning our faithful Big Green to its owner as we departed to the international airport.

What can be said about our tour of two idyllic islands?  We met new friends, witnessed magnificent scenery, lived in a campervan, all the while wandering to our hearts content in a land of endless national parks and amiable, rugby-loving Kiwis.  The humble country welcomed us with open arms as we lived out the final weeks of our international globe trotting.  It was a fitting transition to bring us back to the United States after ten months of gallivanting.  

We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming tropical adventure.. to be continued...