Hunkering down in Christchurch, NZ


Just 10 days ago, we were exploring Queenstown, NZ with plans to make several stops on our way back to Christchurch where we would return our rental car. But Covid has changed the world and currently all of NZ is in a mandatory 4 weeks of self isolation.  Dan did a hero's job of canceling all of our future plans and finding us a comfortable two bedroom furnished apartment in Christchurch.

Today is day 9 of the challenge with only grocery stores and pharmacies open.  We are allowed to be outside walking so long as we maintain 2 metres of distance between others.  The city is mostly empty as we roam around getting our fresh air.  Strangers stop to talk from afar.  Many of them are travelers who are still working frantically to get back to their home country.  The challenge is that all international flights are basically gone.  We are lucky our original plans didn't have us leaving NZ until May 19 for Malaysia.  So the stress of "needing to be home" isn't something we have.  Another benefit of being untethered!

We are confident that we won't be flying out of the country in May and fully expect that we will be in NZ through June.  We are hopeful that the self isolation rules will be lifted as planned allowing us to  move about the country a wee bit more.

While our stay in Queenstown was short,  we did have time to do several hikes while there.  It is an alpine town famous for its Extreme Sports offerings.  Just down the river from the city is where Bungee jumping was first invented.  It reminded us of Aspen.  Filled with designer clothes shops, cafes and art stores, this town is definitely for the jet setting crowd.  The average age seemed to be about 24.

City views

Hikes require steep climbs, but the views are worth the pain!

Lake cruises plus water sport opportunities abound

Our drive back across the country to Christchurch provided us with some incredible vistas.  In case you haven't noticed this yet, NZ is called the Island of the Long White Cloud by the Maori, the indigenous peoples of the country.  We have enjoyed many sunny hours in NZ but I don't think we've ever had a full day of sunshine as these beautiful cloud banks roll across the country every day.

The tallest peaks got a dusting of snow the previous night

The color of this river was so emerald green

For now our vistas are limited to those we find here in Christchurch.  Driving for anything other than an "essential" reason is prohibited so we are unable to leave the city to explore the surrounding hills and mountains.  It is fall here, so the trees are beginning to show us their glorious colors before they take their winter rest.  

A blanket of glorious gold

We hope that each of you are coping during this highly stressful time.  


Stay well dear friends!!

Cheryl & Dan

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