We caught the early ferry to Picton and drove straight down to Kaikoura where we spent the night before going on to Christchurch. The road was windy and at times right on the edge of the sea. You could see evidence of extensive land slips and there were still road repairs going on (I assume since the previous earthquakes).
In Kaikoura there is a lovely walk out along the point and returning via the beach and the fur seal colonies.
Christchurch was a little confronting as the damage from the earthquakes was still so apparent. Barricades, damaged facades supported by shipping containers, big gravel car parks where buildings used to stand. Our BnB was in a brand new apartment building directly opposite the site of the collapsed CTV building where many lives were lost. 185 white painted chairs served as a reminder of the scale of the disaster. It was great to see signs of rejuvenation around the city though.
On the advice of the local parking ticket inspector, we took the local hop on hop off city tram around the city. We were the only people on the tour other than the driver so we got a very personalised tour of the city.
It was great to catch up with some old friends as well.