Today I drove part of the "Alpine Pacific Triangle" - Kaikoura to Hammer Springs to Christchurch. A beautiful drive -- except for the uncooperative weather. When I left Kaikoura, it was sunny -- but only 54F and incredibly windy -- when I arrived at Hammer Springs, it was 47F and party cloudy. Decided to go and check out the thermal spring pools -- and had a very pleasant 1.5 hours in some very hot water (and occasionally some very smelly water -- a couple of the pools are sulphur / mineral pools). My plan was then to grab some lunch and then go check out some of the forest walks. I was successful on the lunch bit -- not so much on the forest walk. I had just started on the path when the skies opened up and it started pouring -- and then hailing. I bagged the walk and ran back to my car and started the drive to Christchurch. Lots of wind and rain -- with occasional bits of sun on the drive. When I got to Christchurch -- it was all rain -- so checked into my motel and watched Downton Abbey all evening. I'll be back in Christchurch next week for 1.5 days -- hopefully the weather will be a bit better then.
Christchurch was devastated by a series of earthquakes in 2010 / 2011. The city is being rebuilt -- but a lot of people have left. I've met a couple of people who used to live in Christchurch -- all have had the same story -- after 1 year of earthquakes & aftershocks, they are just too afraid to live in the city. It's estimated that it may take 50 - 100 years for the New Zealand economy to completely rebound. (note: Christchurch was the 2nd largest city in NZ)
Weather: sunny, windy, rainy, 40 - 55F
Miles Walked: 1.9
km Driven: 264.1
Pic notes: Lots of sheep on the South Island -- a lot more than the North Island (where there were a lot more cows). When I was driving to Hammer Springs -- I had to stop while these people pulled gates across the road to let some animals cross -- not really sure what they were -- they kind of looked like deer ??? I rather liked Hammer Springs -- I would have like to have spent a bit more time there. (and sadly I have few pictures). The last picture is of my motel in Christchurch -- it's an old house that's been converted -- rather interesting.
Christchurch was devastated by a series of earthquakes in 2010 / 2011. The city is being rebuilt -- but a lot of people have left. I've met a couple of people who used to live in Christchurch -- all have had the same story -- after 1 year of earthquakes & aftershocks, they are just too afraid to live in the city. It's estimated that it may take 50 - 100 years for the New Zealand economy to completely rebound. (note: Christchurch was the 2nd largest city in NZ)
Weather: sunny, windy, rainy, 40 - 55F
Miles Walked: 1.9
km Driven: 264.1
Pic notes: Lots of sheep on the South Island -- a lot more than the North Island (where there were a lot more cows). When I was driving to Hammer Springs -- I had to stop while these people pulled gates across the road to let some animals cross -- not really sure what they were -- they kind of looked like deer ??? I rather liked Hammer Springs -- I would have like to have spent a bit more time there. (and sadly I have few pictures). The last picture is of my motel in Christchurch -- it's an old house that's been converted -- rather interesting.
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