It's going to be a long Tuesday! We've spent the morning in Christchurch prior to flying to Auckland and then to the USA. The City Centre was devastated by the earthquake but they've already started to rebuild. The (Re:START) shopping centre has been partially reconstructed using old shipping containers (see photo).

Another day of great scenery on our drive north on Route 8 towards Christchurch, via Twizel, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. The overnight snowfall on the mountain tips made the views particularly spectacular. Also stopped at Rakaia Gorge for a 45 min blast on a jet boat, complete with 5 mins of hailstones. Great fun (see video)! Now in Christchurch, staying in our very compact and functional apartment. Surprised at how much damage from last year's earthquake i...