Our Trip Down Under: Christchurch, New Zealand...

Arriving in Christchurch, we learned that they suffered a devastating earthquake in February 2011 which measured 6.3 on the ricter scale. This devastated the central city which is still closed due to the damaged it caused. However, our stay was just outside the city, called City Centre Motel. We were provided a two bedroom apartment, although old, Tina, the owner was wonderful. She suggested we eat at the Casino, only place located close to where we were. The food was spectacular, expensive, but we are used to that now, after Australia and Queenstown, NZ. We know now that food, water and anything else you buy is far more here then in the states. So, if you are thinking of coming, bring lots of money.
The next morning we had booked a tour of Christchurch.........first part of the tour was a 4wheel drive through farmland, next a boat through glacier, ice cold water (beautifully blue), and the last was a train through their countryside back to Christchurch. We got home a little later than we had planned so asked Tina where the nearest McDonald's was and how we would get there, could we catch a bus or what? She immediately said "Take my car!" So, Liz and I jumped in, drove through their town, avoiding the crowd that was there for a Christmas show and found a McDonalds. We were told that the town show average about 200,000 people and I think they were all on the same road to McDonald's..... But we made it, driving on the left side of the road and we appreciated all that Tina did for us. It was a pleasure staying at the City Centre motel.
Leaving the next morning, heading for Rotorua, we almost missedour flight. I have to say that the shuttle had not even scheduled us on the route so again we had to rely on Tina to help us out. The time was very early, around 5am, we felt terrible waking her up. But, she was again very helpful, getting the shuttle bu.
We were on time for our flight but it was a rush...
Pictures below are those taken while on tour of Christchurch....

The next few pictures were taken from the boat ride, lasting about 45minutes to an hour. Such a lot of fun, but the water was freezing but absolutely the most beautiful water ever...