Great Kiwi Road Trip: Day 13 - Geraldine and Christchurch

Second last day in NZ, we felt so sad because we’re soon leaving to this beautiful country. In the morning, we visited the Lake Tekapo again before we started our journey towards Christchurch. Again, Lake Tekapo in the morning was so different when we see it on evening time. Still stunning and breathtaking, how I wish I can stay in this place forever. 

Our homestay house last night

Our road trip towards Christchurch became less interesting, probably due to our wrong decision to choose a scenic inland route, rather than the conventional route which gives the view of green farmland of Mackenzie country. The scenic inland route which connects Mt. Somers, is mainly comprises of the scenery of sub-alpine tussocks lands and a range of alpine mountains. It would be nicer if we have time to explore part of the Arthur’s pass, which believed to be one of the best road trips in NZ. 

Our first stop was Geraldine, another small town between Lake Tekapo and Christchurch. They do have one mini museum, and it is worth to spend a few minute to explore the history of this town. We had a tea break, ice cream and bought a few handmade natural rolls of wools made from sheep from a local hawker.

The shepherd dog which helped to discover the Lake Tekapo

A lovely wild apple tree

Coffee shop at Geraldine

Fascinating golden colored tree

Morning scene of Lake Tekapo

Stunning view of Lake Tekapo canal

The view of Lake Tekapo, will never upset you

The trip continued towards Mt. Somers, and many steep slopes of mountains came into sight. We reached Christchurch when it was 430PM, and the upset things were, we actually entered into a city which just slowly recovered from the massive earthquake last year. On that evening, we traveled at few places in Christchurch and observed how bad damaged the earthquake caused. The whole central city was nearly left abandoned, damaged/scarred roads everywhere and residents started moving out to live in suburban areas. For me, the place equals to a doomed place.

Behind me is the South Island's Alps range

Our travel mood was quite disturbed with these sights, and also probably due to it was the last night we stayed in NZ.  Despite how devastated the earthquake caused, there are people still remain to stay with Christchurch forever. Proud of them!