Christchurch

Captain Scott
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Day 9:

Today we were in Christchurch which is about half way up the east coast of the South Island. Again, we sailed in early in the morning, and after breakfast, we went ashore.

Again, the ship had docked out of town, in Lyttelton Harbour. This is where Scott and Shackleton sailed from. We got a bus into the city centre, which is mainly a pedestrian area. We climbed the tower of Christchurch Cathedral - 134 steps up past the bell ringers room and the bells. The view from the top is good, but when we got down again, we found out that the steeple had fallen down a couple of times already. This is an active earthquake zone, so I suppose it isn't too surprising.

Punting on the Avon
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The cathedral was interesting as it was built exactly like a medieval cathedral but only about 150 years ago. David wanted to have a go on the organ, but the organ loft was locked up.

After that, we walked through the town, crossing the River Avon! There is a statue of Captain Scott beside the river and punts on the river, complete with young men in boaters who would punt you around. The river itself was only about 6 feet across which did take away from the spectacle.

Then we walked on to the Museum which was in a building that had been art of the original University of Canterbury. Since Christchurch had been founded and named by a man who had been at Christ Church College, Oxford, the university buildings were obviously meant to be similar. The museum was good with lots of antarctic exploration stuff as well as dinosaurs, birds and a good hands-on section. Jack got very keen on photography and ran the camera flat taking pictures of everything he saw.

We got back to the ship in time for cocktails and again went on deck for the departure. Since the wind was against us, there were two tugs to help us out, but in the end they weren't needed although the stayed tied to us with loose lines until we were well into the channel.

We had dinner in the Rotterdam restaurant, during which we got an announcement saying that the ship had a "technical challenge" which means that we will be an hour late into Picton tomorrow. Looking at the wake, it appears that only one propellor is working.