Christchurch

Christchurch used to be the second largest city in New Zealand.  It was designed to be like an English town and was settled early by the English.  So you see a lot of English characteristics in the city, including a river that runs through town called the Avon.  They even use an English term to call cruising down the river - "punting on the Avon".  

Sadly, Christchurch suffered a couple of devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.  The buildings that were weakened by the first quake in 2010 got more damaged in the second quake in 2011.  What is worse is that they hit the core of the city, especially Cathedral Square, where most activities are held.  The whole city center was condoned off but you can see through the chain-link fence the extent of the damage.  Christchurch Cathedral the centerpiece of downtown Christchurch was badly damaged and there is a lot of debate as to whether to rebuild or tear it down.

The city built a temporary business area called Re-start for the downtown businesses to continue to operate.  This is a popular area but is no substitute for the businesses within the city center.  I had a hard time even finding a restaurant when I walked around the city.  The other sad story is that a lot of young people have moved to other big cities in New Zealand and even Australia.  

Christ College, an old-fashion English boarding school

Punting on the Avon

Re-start Mall, a temporary mall

A building being demolished

Cathedral destroyed by the earthquake

More buildings destroyed by the earthquake

The city has a beautiful Botanic Garden