Hi Pearcey,
We're back in Christchurch again for our daughter's birthday (she will kick me very hard if even wisper anything about how many she's already had).
Things are definately getting back to some sort of normalcy. But there is an incredible amount of damage. As you will already know, entire suburbs have sunk by 0.5 to 1m. This does not sound much but lots of CHCH is built on swamp and therefore not far above sea level. We drove olong parts of the Avon at high tide and were horified to glance out of the window at the river level (about window-sill level in out old Terrano !). That's why entire suburbs have been "red zoned". It is also distressing when we drive through town. So many buildings are gone. So many businesses are gone or moved. It is surprising how often you drive from 'A' to 'B' by go down Hereford St, hang a left at Atkinson's Pub, turn right at the convent etc. 10 Minutes later you're lost because the so-familair waypoints are gone.
Christchurch will be back. But it will be a very different city.
Hamilton Gardens are most definitely very spectacular. We specially enjoyed the international garden portion. The Italian, Chinese and Japanese bits were very well done.
When you were up Raglan way did you manage to find the hot water section of beach? There is on on the west coast as well as the famous east coast 'Hot Water Beach'. You really need to be there at low tide (springs) and dig a pool in the sand. The tide was not optimum for us and it's not easy to dig a hole in the wet sand as the rest of the beach tries to get iun on the act. Rather good fun but definitely more exercise than spa.
PS We had a great time travelling round Tasmania a decade or so back and look forward to crossing the ditch some time too.
PPS NZ actually has 3 island. The North Island, The South Island, and The Very Big West Island !
Dave