Christchurch Treasures - July 18th

We started our day with a beautiful stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Unlike most botanic gardens, this one prominently features exotic species and I was mesmerized by many magnificent species including giant Eucalpytus trees and strange looking Monkey Puzzles.  Colin was with us to point out all the natives and tell us about efforts to improve their use within the gardens and the city.

After we had finished viewing the garden, we made our way over to a local museum that depicted both Maori culture and slice of old Christchurch. As we wandered the museum we learned about everything from giant Moas (one of New Zealands largest extinct birds) to Maori life and the treasures (taonga) they have passed down to their ancestors to the daily life of Christchurch in the late 1800s to what it was like in the last two years with the earthquakes.

A student takes a small rest after a long walk through the gardens.

We finished the day with a lunch in the gardens followed by an art walk through the streets of Christchurch. Although the city has suffered devastating earthquakes within the last few years, the inspiring store owners and artists are fighting back, displaying their art in the streets in an attempt to get back on their feet. - Sarah M.