2 years since the Christchurch Earthquakes

Two years ago today New Zealand woke to learn that Christchurch had an undiscovered fault line which erupted in the early hours of morning.

and many of us thought Christchurch was lucky to get away with that quake but unknown to New Zealand mother nature had a nasty surprise for us!!

And since then Christchurch had had more than 10,000 quakes!!

From NZCity

Two years ago, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck in Christchurch at 4.35am, extensively damaging the city.

 

It was the first of more than 10,000 quakes to hit the city, and despite the damage - which was worst in Kaiapoi, a town north of the city - locals counted their luck that no one was killed.

 

The quake was followed on February 22, 2011, by a 6.3-magnitude jolt which killed 185 people.

 

Cantabrians are on Tuesday recalling that initial quake, which would forever change the landscape of their city.

 

Two years on, the central city recovery is in full swing, with a new recovery blueprint and work to demolish and rebuild the CBD red zone….. .....

We were in Christchurch two days prior to the devastating 2011 earthquake.

I remember remarking that there was very little signs from the earthquake of 2010 when we visited there just a few months later. Some of that was because that 2010 earthquake didn't affect the downtown area as much as the outlying area and some of it was because repairs had already been made.

We have visited this city twice since 2008. During our 2011 visit we fell in love with this city. Its warmth and charm and the outstanding people made this a wonderful day for us. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the people of Christchurch and we look forward to our return there.

Keith

Two years ago today New Zealand woke to learn that Christchurch had an undiscovered fault line which erupted in the early hours of morning. and many of us thought Christchurch was lucky to get away with that quake but unknown to New Zealand mother nature had a nasty surprise for us!! And since then Christchurch had had more than 10,000 quakes!!

Appreciate your post and added information. As Keith detailed, however, it seems like Christchurch "WAS" a great city to visit. We are scheduled to be there in January, 2014. Sadly, however, its seems that there is so very, very much re-building to be done in the main city and that things will not be easily back to the "good, old days" any times soon. Therefore, in early 2014, we will probably head to see more of the nature greatness and wonders around and nearby to the Christchurch city. Will keep reading with interest to see how the re-building progress happens.

THANKS! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 101,173 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

An article in the Christchurch Press newspaper September 13th 2012, states that Akaroa tourism operators look likely to enjoy two more seasons of 80-plus cruise ship visits.

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch Chief Executive Peter Davie said that the port did want cruise ship visits to return to Lyttelton, but he could not put a time frame on a return.

He did not want to comment on whether Lyttelton wanted ships back for the 2013-2014 season. He also said that earthquake repairs involved a "myriad of issues" including the location of a new wharf that needed to be sorted out before planning for a full return to cruise ship visits.

We spent 5 days in Christchurch a few years ago and fell in love with the area. So saddened with the earthquake hit.....

Karen

It is such a beautiful city and it will come back better than ever.

Part of the beauty, is it's wonderful people.

Keith