Christchurch

So far We have been very lucky in finding accommodation without reservation. However, in Christchurch we were traipsing around for what felt like a life time to find one. This was due to the lack of hostels after the catastrophic earthquake hit Christchurch in February. Strangely, only the small, older lodges survived. Eventually we found an 8 bed dorm. It wasn't the cleanest of places but we were pleased to have a bed and our stupid rucksacks off our backs.
That evening we went to one of the few bars and had a few drinks listening to a really cute folk band and met a few friendly Kiwi's. We went back to the dorm to everyone asleep and no bed lamps. Once again we climbed the bunks in the silent pitch black room, unclipped the bra and wallah. Were ready for bed. We are getting too good at this tramping malarky now.
The next day we tried to walk into the centre of Christchurch. A massive majority of the centre is closed off because of the devastation of the earthquake. On weekends you can go on tours through the red zone but it was mid week so we couldn't. Just from walking around Christchurch you can see how much the earthquake destroyed what looked like a beautiful place before. So many buildings left derelict and not a lot to do. Chtistchurch have just opened a small shopping mall. All the shops are in industrial containers. Looks quirky and a great idea if any more earthquakes hit the place.
On the way home we found a casino. We nearly got turned away because we were not dressed appropriately (the cheek haha). They did let us in though and we were really excited as the tea and coffee was free (bit different to Vegas I'm sure) so we sat and drank tea/coffee (so british) whilst pretending to play on the machines. Whilst enjoying our coffee we felt a biggish rumble. As you can imagine the thought of an earthquake freaked us out and we scarpered out of there. later to find out it was building work outside, destroying damaged buildings.