CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and unfortunately, has become known in recent years for it's devastating earth quakes. In 2011, the city was rocked by a quake of a 6.3 magnitude and killed 185 people from over 20 different countries. Christchurch's infrastructure had been weakened previously and aftershocks made it even more difficult to rebuild. Four years later, rubble remains but the city has made huge efforts with urban regeneration plans. Innovative businesses and buildings have popped up as the city rebuilds and colorful street art is around every corner, showing the resiliency and creativity of the community. 

After St John the Baptist Church was demolished after the earthquake, Japanese artist Shigeru Ban designed the transitional Cardboard Cathedral. 

185 white chairs in honor of all the 185 people who were lost in the earthquake. A single flower on each. 

The earthquake actually ended up revitalizing the city's arts scene. The Christchurch Art Gallery installed works on outside walls and billboards, creating temporary exhibitions and installations all over the city. I found this gem on a street fence. 

We met up with one of the charming tour directors from Sandy's work for a coffee and he showed us his (award winning!) garden and gave us local tips for visiting Christchurch. 

An authentic New Zealand award winning bloom. 

Walking around Christchurch was a bit eery with the crumbled concrete from it's leveled buildings and you could feel the vibe of a quiet city still tip-toeing in transition, post-devastation.

But mostly, it was inspiring to see their commitment to keeping their art and culture alive. If there's one city in New Zealand worth dropping a few dollars in, it's Christchurch. I'd recommend supporting their local economy by hitting up Re:Start, a food truck/shopping area built from shipping containers. Go for a kebab from Dimitri's Souvlaki followed by real fruit ice cream from Berry Healthy. And take some novelty candy from Johnson's Grocery for the road. Good food for a good cause. 

CAMPING IN CHRISTCHURCH

Our Christchurch campsite was all retro campers and bubblegum sunsets. It was sweet as, as they say. 

HOOKER VALLEY HIKE

On our way to Christchurch, we drove into the Aoraki National Park and camped next to Mount Cook for the night. 

Glacier water, which looks like watered down white acrylic house paint.

The next morning, we woke up and hiked the Hooker Valley Track which led us over Hooker River and a few swing bridges to a glacier lake. The weather was gray and windy which only added to the ominous mountain landscape. 

ROAD TO MOUNT COOK

The drive to Mount Cook was just unreal. 

Despite the overtly branded photos, Spaceships did not pay for any of this. I should note that Sandy and I are available for sponsored road trips, flights, cruises, tandem bike rides, etc. 

UNREAL.  

MILFORD SOUND

Milford Sound is as famous to New Zealand as Lord of the Rings.

While I haven't actually seen any of those films (I'm more of a Flight of the Conchords type), Sandy and I did make a point of visiting Milford Sound.

I only see this when looking at this photo. 

Our trip over was long and a little groggy. Queenstown nightlife may not be anything worth raving about but that's not to say we didn't participate. Between naps, we pulled over for shots of the beautiful landscapes. 

Then, we hopped on a boat and cruised the famous (and windy) fiord. 

Five months into my time in NZ (I'm a bit behind on blog posts) I still haven't seen Lord of the Rings, but with the high winds, waterfalls, seals, rainbows and asian men taking selfies... Milford Sound was cinematic enough. 

SANDY'S BIRTHDAY SKYDIVE

On her birthday, Sandy did what any responsible adult does when they turn 30. She jumped out of a plane. 

Photos I stole from Skydive Lake Wanaka. 

Sandy had been talking about skydiving for her birthday since we first began planning her NZ visit last summer, so I was beaming like a proud paparazzo when I saw the red speck of her floating down above the Wanaka mountains. She made friends with all the fellow jumpers and employees and managed to look cuter in a red jumpsuit than anyone should.

Some might dread turning 30, but Sandy decided skydiving on the other side of the world would be a better way to celebrate. What a legend. 

QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown's scenery is as epic as it's extreme sports and we had an adventurous few days there to celebrate Sandy's birthday. 

The drive into Queenstown is straight up majestic. 

Queestown's center is filled with cute cafes, restaurants and a bar scene that (despite it's reputation) doesn't quite rival Allston, MA (as in, skip it unless you're 22 and into cover bands and jagerbombs). We took a break from our camp meals and splurged on some steaks at Flame and coffees at Vudu Cafe and Joe's Garage. 

During out time there, we visited Milford Sound and Sandy jumped out of a plane (more on the later) but on our last day there we rode the gondola up to the top of Queenstown and drove luges down. I didn't think this would be all that thrilling as we're adults who have been driving actual automobiles for over 10 years. I was wrong, I squealed the entire time and wish I did it 7 more times. 

In conclusion...Queenstown: come for the beauty, stay for the luges.