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Wed 12 Nov 2014
We left chilly Blenheim bound for the 309 klm journey to Christchurch. The scenery is dramatic - huge mountains - some snow-capped - some with their bases ending in the ocean. They have been formed by the uplift of the earth from under the sea and therefore comprised mostly of sand.
The extent of the Awatere & Marlborough wine growing area becomes apparent when the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Travelling on we drive through the Marlborough area famous for its wine - especially the Sauvignon Blanc. The quality of the wine is partly due to the amount of sunshine the grapes receive. The Marlborough area receives New Zealand's highest annual average sunshine per annum at 2,500 hours.
Fur seals were along the coast either in the water or sun-baking on the beach or on the rocks. The area is renowned also for penguins, Dolphins and whales however none were to be seen today.
Continuing on we stopped at Ohau Waterfall North of Kiakoura where we observed a seal pup nursery. There was about 12 - 15 pups lolling in a freshwater pool fed by a waterfall approx 300 meters inland from the ocean. The pups played and socialised, oblivious to our presence, while their mums were out catching their dinner. The mother seals brings the pups up to the pool for their safety until they are able to fend for themselves. A truely magical moment!
A morning tea break at Kiakoura befor heading for Christchurch.
Arriving at Christchurch we first went to the International Antartic Centre set up like a museum to depict the life for the workers & scientists on Antartica there were interactive displays such as the storm chamber that simulates an Antartic Storm. The room is chilled to -8 degrees with ice on the floor. Everybody donned hooded jackets and wore shoe coverings. Large fans begin slowly to blast colder air raising the wind speed to 37.5 kph while the temperature drops to -17.3 degrees. We had to get out after 5 minutes because it was tooooooo cold.
The centre also saves and recovers injured or abandoned Blue Penguins and restores them to good health. They are housed in a purpose-built enclosure that simulates their natural environment. They are gorgeous little creatures.
Off now for a scenic tour of Christchurch. The city is dotted with many public parks and gardens - hence its Garden City title. A pretty city until we arrived in the city centre, or what's left of it. The media coverage did not portray the extent of the damage - we only saw a very small section of the damage. The entire city centre has either been destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Of particular note was the remnants of the ChristChurch Anglican Cathedral and the Catholic cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (a Basilica). Both churches have decided to demolish their cathedrals and rebuild, however there are some who are challenging the Anglican's decision in Court.
The devastation needs to be seen first hand to appreciate the extent of the destruction. It was certainly a disturbing sight......
Then we went up the Summit Road past Victoria Park lookout for magnificent views over Christchurch and Lyttelton to the west. Truely breath-taking views.
Back on the bus for the trip to our hotel and dinner.
Temperature: Min 5 (Blenheim) Max 13 (Christchurch)
Today's insights:
The mountains of the South Island are formed when the tetonic plates force the land upwards from the seabed. Therefore these mountains are composed predominately of sand. The land is rising approximately 10 centimetres per year.
This area is the only remaining breeding ground for the Royal Albatross.
The Christchurch rebuilding program is expected to take 25 years to complete.
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