Dunedin to Christchurch today. Dunedin shows it's Scottish heritage everywhere and especially in the softening burr to the Kiwi accent. The architecture is very appealing - late Victorian and Edwardian - weatherboard two story houses capped with elegant fretwork and substantial brick homes ornamented with verandas and turrets line the steep streetscape. Gardens feature the deepest blue Agapanthas and hydrageas I have ever seen.Public building reflect the important history of this elegant and cultured city. Places to eat at every pricepoint are everywhere - there is a young vibe as befits a university town.
Leaving our hotel we passed a number of pipe bands gathering in the main street - many of the pipers were very young - Scottish heritage is valued, alive and well in Dunedin!
Travelling now on Highway number 1 we paused at the Moeraki Boulders to view these unusual rocks best viewed at low tide. Maori legend tells of a great Waka, canoe of the gods which was wrecked on this coast after a long journey. The captain and crew were washed overboard with all their goods, spreading to become the boulders on the beach and the hull of the Waka became the headland. The enormous waves are represented in the hills and cliffs behind the beach. The boulders are quite spectacular.
Our next stop was at the Tin Shed for last minute retail therapy. Caption for the boys' photo? "The girls are shopping again".
Driving into Christchurch we were really saddened to see how much damage remains from the earthquake particularly in Cathedal Square and the centre of the city. The cathedral remains boarded up and fenced off! Everywhere buildings are festooned with scaffolding and weeds cover vacant lots. Even saved buildings show scars of the earthquake in replastered walls and odd paint works. Yet the city centre is alive with people and tourists have obviously returned.
Enormous thanks to Tim and Geoff for driving us so safely and surely and Barb the trusty navigator. Tomorrow we play golf at Clearwater.
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