Jan 25th

Rosemary took us past Lyttleton Harbour, the port for Christchurch and then onto the Banks Peninsular to Akaroa. The Banks Peninsular and its hills were formed by 2 volcanic eruptions. Small harbours radiate from the Peninsular's centre, giving it a cogwheel effect. Absolutely stunning scenery of hills, mountains and Akaroa harbour. Initially Banks Peninsular was claimed by the French and French settlers settled in the area but in fact too late to colonise on behalf of France as Britain signed a treaty with a Maori leader and the rest is history! Nevertheless the town has a distinct French air about it and descendants of the original French settlers still reside there. Most of the streets are in French and the police station is also called the Gendamerie! We had a pleasant day travelling to Akaroa and  wandering around its streets which many still have the original settlers' houses on them. We returned via central Christchurch to look at the 'cardboard cathedral' being built as a temporary measure until the cathedral is rebuilt.The building is in fact being constructed of wood and steel and is likely to be put to other uses once the cathedral is built or rebuilt - there is much public discussion and arguement as to how the original building is to be replaced! It lies opposite the site of the NZ broadcasting building, now demolished, where many of the 189 people died. Dinner with Rosemary's brother, a retired pilot who is now a volunteer with air sea rescue.