Christchurch

Spent two days in the Jailhouse. Locked in our cell.... Let out from time to time for goodish behaviour.

Place was a real jail up until the last inmate left in 1999, since then was converted into a backpacker's place.
Looks very much like HMP Slade in Porridge on the inside. Understood why they sold earplugs at reception as sounds echo and reverberate around the landings and lower hall. Two nights was defiantly long enough!! 

Christchurch is still rebuilding post earthquake 2011, which killed 185, and injured 2000 people. Destroyed most of the city, and left many buildings unsafe. Rebuilding with steel and reinforced concrete. 

The trams are still operating, mainly for the tourist trade. The central shops are converted shipping containers, although these will soon be gone as the new quake proof buildings are completed and opened. Hope that they keep at least some of the containers as heritage.

While we were there there was a festival in the park, celebrating Christmas. Lots of local, and well known (to the Kiwi's) bands.
Went for a while, but all they sang were carols. Looked like they were enjoying themselves.

Tomorrow we catch a flight to Auckland for our last couple of days in New Zealand.

Leave you with some photos. Some lupine on the way to Christchurch, our accomodation, our cell door, Christchurch Cathedral, tram, cardboard Cathedral (roof supports made out of cardboard tubes), another tree.