Tuesday 26 July - Nelly the Nissan - Christchurch - Akaroa

Yesterday was the coldest on record in Christchurch since 1918 and the first snow in 15 years. But the sun is out this morning and although it has rained overnight and the roads are icy it appears that the situation is improving. Hopeful delayed passengers head to the still closed Christchurch airport on coaches with the promise of flights and the roads are a little clearer. David heads off to collect "el cheapo" and returns with our wheels for the next four weeks. A nissan sunny - now christened Nelly. 

We decide to head south of Christchurch to Akoroa and begin the journey by driving through what was the city. Immediately we begin to see glimpses of the devastating effects of the earthquakes.

   

As we drive towards the centre of the city more and more buildings lay empty, damaged and taped off. We suddenly are stopped in our tracks, our route is blocked by the now familiar metal fencing - we have found the edge of the red zone. 

   

There is an eery stillness - a silence - magnified by the recent snowfall - and as we negotiate our way around the edge of the red zone we glimpse cranes at work dealing with the damage - twisted buildings, homes ripped apart and the sad view of the once beautiful Cathedral Square. It is a very emotional 30 minutes and along the way there are groups of people standing along the cordon - some are there to view the damage for themselves - others to seek some kind of closure or healing. We are told that it will take 15 to 20 years to restore the city and that some parts will never be rebuilt. As we head out to the coast, Sumner and Lyttleton - the damage is evident here to.

Empty shells of buildings, more demolition notices and more taped off areas. Very,very sobering and so very sad.

We continue our journey and work our way around the little bays and inlets to Akaroa - a small, historic town nestled in the heart of an extinct volcano on the 


Banks Peninsula.

We have no accommodation booked so when we arrive in the town it is left to Nicole to hop in and out of the car asking at various hotels, motels and backpackers for rooms, availability and prices! It is very low season and everyone has availability so just what deals we can wangle!


We settle on Bon Accord – which is small and more importantly the nice man offered a discount! It has a large communal kitchen.

 and shared bathrooms, but there is a bed for everyone, a heater in the room, hot water bottles all round and a friendly welcome! We unload Nelly and head to the supermarket just up the street for a few bits to cook for tea before settling down for the night.