New Zealand > Christchurch after the earthquake

When I wake up, there is no electricity. Since no Wi-Fi networks can be found on my phone either, I conclude that the surrounding houses also have no power. Fortunately, the shower still provides hot water. To make coffee, we heat water on the gas stove instead of using the kettle. We leave Tekapo and set off for the last time. It’s about a three-hour drive to Christchurch. The city center of Christchurch was hit by two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Many buildings in the center were damaged. The cathedral survived the first quake, but during the second, the bell tower collapsed. The rest of the church was heavily damaged. Around the center, there are many parking lots. Probably many buildings have been demolished, and the vacant land is now being used for parking. In New Regent Street, we stop for lunch. An old tram carrying tourists passes through the narrow street. The street was designed in 1932 in a Spanish style. Restaurants line the street. Around the corner, the atmosphere is less lively. Scaffolding, cranes, and construction barriers are everywhere. Both new constructions and restoration work are ongoing. It feels strange that eight years later, so much still needs to be repaired in the city. Some buildings stand abandoned. The construction barriers around them have probably been there for years. At Oxford Square, we see the damage to the cathedral. Where the tower once stood, there is a large gaping hole.

New Zealand - The touristy New Regent Street in Christchurch

Fortunately, restoration work has recently started here. The church community has set up a temporary church a few hundred meters away. The roof supports are made from cardboard tubes. Quite remarkable. We follow the Avon River through the city. We pass modern shops and braced houses. Everything is mixed together. It feels a bit like disaster tourism. Hopefully, all the construction activity will soon restore the city center. For now, it seems like a jumble. At the end of the afternoon, we drive to the airport. At the rental company, we return the car. We have driven 5,800 kilometers across New Zealand in four and a half weeks. A shuttle bus then takes us to the airport. Returning the car was so quick that we arrive at the airport far too early. Check-in isn’t possible yet. About an hour later, it is. The flight to Auckland lasts just over an hour. Outside, it gradually gets dark. An orange glow from the setting sun shines over the clouds.

New Zealand - The Christchurch Cathedral collapsed during the 2011 earthquake

We stay overnight in a hotel near the airport. The hotel advised that the best way to get there is with the Yellow bus. When the bus arrives, we discover that we should have bought tickets from a machine. The driver walks with us. “I’ll do it,” he says, “otherwise it will take too long.” It doesn’t work. The credit card is rejected. Grumbling, the driver gestures for us to get on the bus. “Pay at the hotel reception,” he sighs. Fifteen minutes later, the bus turns into the hotel parking lot. Before we know it, the driver has arranged the bus tickets at the reception. Fine. We place our luggage in the room. It’s just past ten o’clock—a perfect time for a drink in the bar. When the bar closes at eleven, we return to the room.