Christchurch and Auckland / Jan 27-29

On Road to Christchurch
Beside sheep and cattle, the other livestock is deer. NZ figured out a solution for their raging deer population-put it on the menu! Now it's another domestic animal and we're even seen their dogs herding the deer.

New Zealand has been having an unusually cold summer, especially on the south island. It often feels like our October. On the drive from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo we were entranced by bright turquoise lakes and snow peaked mountains...and even snow on the ground in a few places!

Christchurch
We spent a night in Christchurch before flying back to Auckland to wrap up New Zealand.

We've all heard about the earthquakes last year, but it's shocking.  The entire downtown is still cordoned off.

Recovery is very slow and many people believe the government and insurance companies are dragging their feet.  The government point man was raked over the coals for a proposed $70K pay raise.

Even outside the downtown there is much damage and many people have just given up and left, especially after the December quake.

Nothing was spared

We felt a small quake (4.57) in the evening.  It was like airplane turbulence for a short while.  However, you never know if it will be a little tremour or the big one.

They are still getting little shakes many times a day, but most are small, around 3.  This site shows the daily activity.
Christchurch Quake Map

On the other hand, life goes on and this is part of Christchurch's busker fair.  I'm not sure what this act was about, something French apparently.

And the drive-thru beer stores are open!

Auckland
We lifted off from Christchurch without any other shakes (that we could feel).

Passing over the Marlborough Sound.

And landed in Auckland

The waterfront is very active

With buskers too

We attended the great Auckland Seafood festival featuring a lot of seafood.  And 'Johny Love' who was quite good.

And these guys who were really big in New Zealand back in the 60's but may be a bit past their prime.

Auckland is yet another city with a lovely mix of old and new.

This is the Myers kindergarden built a hundred years ago as a progressive movement in children's education.

And lastly, New Zealand's other national flag.

This flag is everywhere, from cities to tiny farms.  Often the caption is 'All Blacks', the name of the national rugby team.  By the way, it's a silver fern, not a white feather.