We arrive on monday evening in Chrischurch, the biggest city of South Island.

Between september 2010 and june 2011, three earthquakes hit the area. One of these earthquake really hit the city center and was really destructive. Three years later, you can still see the damages. Infrastructures are currently being repaired, buildings have been demolished or are going to be. The city center is a space quite desolated with lots of construction sites and plenty of empty spaces, waiting to be rebuilt. There are also many “gapfiller” artistic projects made for bringing back life to the city and imagine what could be the city of tomorrow.

Our first moments in Christchurch were a bit odd. We were wandering in the streets in the evening, looking for a place to eat or a supermarket, but we only found deserted streets and abandoned restaurants.

The next day, we still have the whole day to spend in Christchurch before we leave to Sydney. This is the occasion for us to see the city in a whole new light! We took audioguides, lent thanks to one of the gapfiller project, and had a walk in the city. We could realise all the damages made by the earthquake, how was the city before, and what could feel the peopel living here.

At the end of the day, we were invited at Cecile and Guirec’s, a french couple who lives in a suburb of Christchurch and who had worked in the same company than Edouard in Geneva. This was nice to meet them and this was a great end to our trip in NZ!

We are spending the night in Christchurch airport because tomorrow, our plane leaves à 6h30am.

Bye New Zealand, our Australian adventure is now starting for real!