On Thursday morning, Kelly dropped us off at the airport before taking the dogs,  The great thing about flying domestically here is that you can show up 5 minutes before boarding, and take whatever liquids you want with you.  Shoes stay on.  No security line.  Nice service on short flights.  We picked up a wee map from the i-site, and went on a walking tour.  Visiting Christchurch reminded me of visiting New Orleans after Katrina when we were there for Jeff's graduation.  It is sad to see the damage done to a beautiful city, and sad to hear about the people in temporary housing.  Interesting to read about all of the insurance issues.  The most damage occurred during the second earthquake in February 2011, but there are still intermittent shakes happening.  Many things are not open, like the Canterbury Museum.  They are using these pods for stores in the CBD.  We had a lovely anniversary dinner, and received a bottle of wine from the motel manager.  For Christchurch pictures:  https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/Christchurch02?authuser=0&feat=directlink

The weather for our trip was Brrrrr  cold, but we had NO rain, and beautiful clear blue skies for most of the touring.  Friday morning, we boarded the train and headed west over the Southern Alps.  It was a nice relaxing ride with stunning scenery.

For all the train to Greymouth pictures:  https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/TranzAlpine?authuser=0&feat=directlink   Lake Brunner (above) is the largest lake in Westland and is "renowned for its excellent trout fishing".

We picked up a Thrifty rental car and drove to Murchison stopping at the pancake rocks and the Tauranga Bay seal colony near Westport.  No time to go south to Hokitika to buy pounamu and ruby rock jewelry. 

better pancake pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/PancakesSeals?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Will finish writing about the South Island adventure next time.  Rich is packing to go to Gisborne, and I have been at the computer for too long.  I will say that Abel Tasman National Park is the most beautiful and serene place.  We had challenges with the Routeburn trek, but really enjoyed the Abel Tasman Coastal Walkway!  I feel lucky to have been able to do at least part of the coast walk, one of New Zealand's "Great Walks".