Christchurch had an enormous earthquake in 2011 when 185 people died. The centre of the city is slowly being rebuilt. They lost many buildings including the cathedral and hotels. A thriving city is now just full of construction workers cranes and roads closed off, (Our sat nav doesn’t realise this!)

We went on the tram for a guided tour of the city, it was a hop on hop off to see the sites.

This is a mirrored street… each side the shops are identical shape and colour.

The cathedral seems too dangerous to repair, a decision has not been made about it and it is left supported and boards around.New artwork is being put up in cathedral Square.

We found Maori artwork outside the city hall and in the brand new art gallery. The art gallery building, until recently, was used by the civil defence to coordinate the rebuilding of the city. Shops were and still are being housed in shipping containers until they are rebuilt!

We enjoyed the city with its River Avon and  walkway running through. We want to return in a few years when the city is rebuilt and up and running.

We went to nearby South Brighton to find the Pacific Ocean. The waves were not so fierce as in San Francisco and there were surfers to watch there.There is a sand spit here and a long beach and pier.

behind the spit are fresh water lagoons and many water fowl.Late afternoon we went up Port Hills via the cable car in a gondola. The clouds were rolling up and down the mountain but we luckily managed to get good views. It is an extinct volcano and from te top 360 degree views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. Hope you like the photos