Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (3)

I am so thankful for the earthquake happened right after I touched down at the airport. At a magnitude of 5.5, the airport buildings were shaking. But sitting in the big aircraft while getting off the runway, all of us didn't feel a thing and lucky to be away from the building as things could have fallen onto our heads.

With the double major shock and countless of other small tremors, Christchurch city is devastated now. Most parts in the city had already been locked down, beyond salvage, and needed to be rebuilt. To be safe, we were put up in a resort away from the city. This resort is called the Peppers Clearwater Resort and it is such a paradise considering the devastation around Christchurch. The staffs were as cheerful as ever despite the nightmares they had gone through. I really have to give it up to them and the people of Japan who had gone through similar tragedies.

This resort is so beautiful and peaceful; perfect for the family. There is a beautiful lake outside the balcony where you can BBQ while enjoying the sunset. For the golf lovers, you can play here while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Click on the image for picture gallery

Related link: Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (1)

Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (2)

4 months since the massive earthquake that struck Christchurch, aftershocks continue to shake this region almost daily. In my 2 days here, I had already experienced 2 aftershocks powerful enough for the building to sway. Devastation from the earthquake is still visible in some parts of the city after so many months away. There are some parts in the city being cordoned off with rows of buildings still in ruins.

With nothing much left to see in the city, I took a trip down south to the mountains. Unfortunately, weather was not on my side this time. It was cloudy for most of the day. Nevertheless, I had a fun time with the speedboat that does insane speed down the beautiful blue mountain rivers. The trip ended with a 4WD around the farms and hills.

Click on the image for picture gallery

Related link: Christchurch, New Zealand (1)

Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch; the gateway to Antartica and Middle Earth of the Lord of the Rings. It is summer but on the day I arrived, it has already been raining for the past few days. Can you believe it, temperature dipped to 8 deg celcius, it's freaking winter during summer! Amazing to see everyone including myself in jackets and boots instead of t-shirts and shorts. It was better on the second day as the sun managed to penetrate the thick clouds momentarily. Still, I had a very hard time taking pictures due to lack of light. What a gloomy day! As usual, I was a lone ranger exploring the whole city and even ended up on the hills. From Port Hills, I had the best view in the world overlooking the city to the North, the blue sea to the East and white alps of Middle Earth to the South. I was crazy enough to rent a bike and cycled along the mountains to the beach. From there, I had to cycle up the hills again to return the bike. I was dead tired and only realized the trip was 20km! If only I knew from the beginning...Nevertheless, I had no regrets. I had the best time on my own and would also recommend it to anyone going there.

Click on the image for picture gallery Album 1

Click on the image for picture gallery Album 2