Traveling Tolins 2

Founded by English pilgrims, Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's south island. Christchurch fans out at the feet of the scenic Southern Alps.  Named by English pilgrims from Canterbury after Christ Church College in Oxford, it r etains much of its original British flavor, from the Gothic Revival cathedral to the leisurely punting excursion boats on the tranquil Avon River.  The city embraces another English tradition:  It is home to so many green parks that it has been nicknamed the "Garden City."  Its lush Botanic Gardens, 75 acres established in 1863 along the Avon River, ranks among the most important in the world, hosting plants from six continents, a rock garden, and a water garden of lilies and irises. Christchurch is preserving its rich heritage after the 2011 earthquake.  We learned about the exciting vision underway to rebuild and restore the city.             A very small portion of the 2011 earth quake damage that yet exists.  Ther

Hailed as the “coolest little capital in the world,” Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. The world’s southernmost capital city of an independent nation, it enjoys a splendid setting between mountains and sea.  These and subsequent pictures were taken from the top of Mount Victoria, which is one the east side of Wellington and is one of the highest points.  Note the office buildings:  Many businesses have moved to Auckland so the vacated buildings have been converted to apartments.    Ship harbor:  Note logs; timber is New Zealand's number one export.  Rugby is New Zealand's national sport.  Soccer and cricket are also played in the stadium below.  Today was cold (high mid 60s) and windy.  First time we needed to wear jackets. Commercial air port has water at both ends.  Cricket stadium.  Maori "totem."  1800s cannon. a  Monument to Admiral Byrd; he did a lot of south pole flying from New Zealand.  He lived almost 27  year