Up Up and AwayUp Up and Away
 
By Ruth Atherley

The dynamic rebuild plan for Christchurch is in full swing after the destructive earthquakes the city experienced a little over two years ago.
 
In true Kiwi form, the people of Christchurch are concentrating on finding the silver lining, and while they are remembering and honouring the past, they are also embracing the future.

Red ZoneHiroshi NamedaThe focus is now on creating a world-class city that engages locals and visitors alike, and a blueprint plan is in the process of being brought to life. Each day new areas of the city are being reopened to the public and – as this happens – you see the joy and pride in the faces of the people who call Christchurch home.
 
Experiencing The Christchurch Of Today
While the people of Christchurch are looking toward the futures, they also realize that visitors want to better understand what happened two years ago. ‘Quake City’ is an interactive experience that outlines the science and the human interest elements behind the earthquakes of 2011.

Punting on the Avon has always been one of the most popular activities in Christchurch, and visitors can now take their river tour through the ‘red zone’, which is the rebuild zone. There you can see the work that is underway and get an up-close view of the uncrushable Kiwi spirit that shines through as the city is recreated.
 
You should also check out the ‘Cardboard Cathedral’, a structure made of paper tubes and polyurethane that is being built to temporarily replace historic Christchurch Cathedral.
 
ChristchurchDavid SwansonContainers And Coffee
Made entirely of shipping containers, the city’s funky Re:START mall offers the best of what New Zealand designers have to offer. Featuring over 50 retailers, the mall is located right in the heart of the city. There is also a great selection of cafés, providing the perfect places for you to rest your weary feet after a morning of trying on designer duds.

The Magic Of Canterbury
While experiencing the can-do spirit of Christchurch, it’s also worth venturing out of the city to explore the beautiful Canterbury region – and who better to show it to you than a fifth generation Canterburian?

David Hiatt runs the Canterbury Guiding Company, a specialized tour provider that offers excursions that you just can’t get anywhere else. He knows the region’s winemakers and cheese makers, farmers and artisans and he will tailor-make a tour just for you. One day he may be leading a behind-the-scenes tasting with a cheese maker; the next day, he may be organizing a balloon ride or a wine tasting.
 
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