Make it count: New Zealand 2012

Friday, November 2nd

This morning we started out from Franz Josef. I drove for the first time today on the opposite side of the road. I don't have the experience that Greg has (several trips to England driving with his work)- so it took me a bit to give this a go. Not so bad -- it definitely takes a little while to feel comfortable, but it was OK. We were in a pretty rural area so I didn't get into heavy traffic. I drove for the first 3 hours of the day and then Greg took over as we approached Christchurch.

The day started off overcast and rainy. Not much scenery until after lunch. We got lucky and the sun came out just as we came upon Arthur's Pass. We went to the Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Conservation Area. Fantastic place -- highly recommended. There was a 1/2 mile trail leading to a hillside of these giant limestone boulders. Great. If you like to rock climb or boulder -- this is the place for you. We scaled a few of these rocks and were able to capture some classic New Zealand photos.

After our hike, we proceeded east into the city of Christchurch (this is where I am this evening). Christchurch has recently been devastated by severe earthquakes that took a big part of the city. We drove around the devastated areas. Really sad to see. The draw card and symbol of Christchurch - the cathedral (located in the middle of the city) has been destroyed. We ran into a local couple while taking pictures. They told us there have been hundreds of smaller earthquakes over the past 2 years. The quake that led to the most destruction in the city center occurred on February 22, 2011. I remember this because I was on my trip to Antarctica during that time frame. I remember sitting on a plane with a couple from Christchurch that had just learned of the earthquake on their trip. Luckily, their home was saved. Today, the bulk of the city center was fenced off and excavation machinery was scattered though out the city.

After our tour, we found a hotel and went out for dinner (Indian food). I'm a big fan of Indian food -- it's a rare treat for me -- but I really like it. Back in the room now just catching up. Tomorrow we head south again to Mt. Cook National Park for some hiking. Until then -- good night from the southern hemisphere.