We’re happy to be here! Christchurch was not on our itinerary but always wanted to visit. We are heading north to avoid the Cyclone, so thankfully the cruise line was able to add this port at the last minute.

I recall seeing photos of Christchurch with beautiful green parks, tall cathedrals and pretty little boats rowing down the Avon River. We went on a tour this morning that showed us some of the highlights of Christchurch, but first we went for a ride through the countryside. Up one hill and down the next. It reminds me a bit of Rt 1 on the coast of California. The golden grasses blowing in the wind on the steep hillsides. New Zealand is known for their sheep and various kinds of cattle. As we rode, I saw dairy cattle like we have at home. New Zealand is also known for their dairy products. Next we saw a lake with what we thought were geese, but no, exciting to realize they were all black swans! What an elegant creature. Wish we could have stopped to watch them. Next time 😉

After a drive of a hour or so, we stopped at a farm. We met a lovely couple that invited us into their home for tea and biscuits. As we walked up the drive, we saw colorful gardens, a sweet white farm house, a barn and a big grassy hill in the background. The home was a craftsman style home inside with gorgeous wood work (exactly what we like). We thanked her for her hospitality and showing us her lovely home.

We met her husband outside and he told us about their farm. He and his wife purchased the farm in the 1970’s. It’s around 2,100 acres with 1,200 sheep and 500+ beef cattle. He’s very proud of his sheep dogs that he trains not only to work the farm, but also competitions. There are various kinds of sheep dogs. Some are trained as ‘barking’ dogs and others as herding dogs (collie).

He demonstrated using his barking dog to run up the big hill behind us. He would give the dog commands, both vocal and whistle. The dog would stop, look back and wait for the next command. It was fascinating watching him split the herd into two groups, put them back together and then bring them down the hill to see us. The owner then gave him another command, the dog barked and chased the sheep back up the hill to where they were grazing.

We then went into the barn and he showed us how to shear a sheep. It only took him a few minutes and there stood a naked looking sheep and one big pile of wool. He sells many lambs for meat and has a huge herd used for wool. Yearlings have a high quality of wool because all the nutrients go to the wool and not to producing a lamb. At that point, I thought I should leave the barn. My hair was pretty big that day and Bob thought the farmer may want to shear my head for a red sweater :0

We thanked the couple and left for our drive back to Christchurch. As we went, our guide told us some of the places we would be seeing. In February 2011, Christchurch had a devastating earthquake. I didn’t realize how big until we started seeing the big, open lots in the downtown area. So many buildings totally gone. The tall, beautiful cathedral with huge gaping holes. Heartbreaking! An open lot with 185 white chairs represented a memorial to some of those that died that day. A big, rusty, twisted piece of metal from 911 World Trade Center as a memorial to all the fireman that worked so hard to rescue people. A new house and then an old house. Hit and miss. Many businesses are now located in storage containers. Strange how so many buildings were gone and just one would be standing that was untouched. It’s been 9 years and you can see how much urban renewal is happening and how far they have to go. Our hearts and prayers go out to these beautiful people.

On that note, our visit to New Zealand has been inspiring….the land, the people and their spirit. Until we meet again!

We sailed away from New Zealand, through Cook Strait and into the Tasman Sea. The Cyclone was heading south, but we still had some rough seas from it’s low pressure. What a ride! It was a cross between the show Deadliest Catch and the scene from Forrest Gump when Lt Dan was riding the mast of the ship during the hurricane. Lol.