New Zealand Nov 11, 2014

On the prior evening after checking into the Sudima Hotel we went looking for something to eat. We ended up walking to a nearby McDonald's. We weren't picking up our rental car until the next morning so we were pretty limited and it was close to midnight before getting to the McDonald's. The next morning we checked out of the hotel and walked over to Scottie's Rental Car to get our car. This was the same rental company that we used on the North Island but the car was much newer.

After picking up our car we decided to drive through Christchurch. The earthquake of 2011 destroyed much of the beautiful historic area of Christchurch. Even though tourists are supposedly returning the damage was evident everywhere. We headed south to Oamara after a quick drive through Christchurch.

Christchurch had a lot of rebuilding, renovation, and empty lots where entire buildings had been demolished.

Slow recovery from the devastating earthquake.

We stayed at the Highfield Mews Hotel in Oamaru and used that as a base to explore around Oamaru. 



After checking in we went to downtown Oamaru. Oamaru was founded in the 1800's and identifies with the Victorian area in a big way.

When we got to downtown Oamara, the Oamara Ordinary Cycle Club was returning from a multi-day ride.

Penny-Farthing Bikes in the Victorian themed Oamara.

These guys were very photogenic.

Have to photograph a puppy in a basket!