Farewell to New Zealand: Final Leg via Dunedin and Long Beach to Christchurch

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Our final leg in New Zealand took us from Kaka Point through Dunedin and the scenic Long Beach back to Christchurch. On the way, we stopped at Long Beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline where we were lucky enough to spot fur seals basking in the sun on the rocks and cliffs. Watching these animals in their natural environment was a special and memorable experience.

Unfortunately, during our boat cruise in Milford Sound, we caught a severe flu from a tour group and came down with a heavy viral infection and fever. As a result, much of our time at Long Beach was spent resting in bed, trying to recover before we could continue on to Christchurch.

Once in Christchurch, we used the time before our flight to Australia to recover. The photos from our sightseeing tour in Christchurch were actually taken during our first visit on February 17th, as our illness sadly prevented us from exploring the city a second time.

Christchurch and the 2011 Earthquake

Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, was struck by a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake on February 22, 2011. The disaster claimed 185 lives and caused widespread destruction throughout the city. One of the most heavily affected landmarks was the ChristChurch Cathedral, a symbol of the city, which was severely damaged.

The future of the cathedral remained uncertain for years after the quake. Only a decade later did efforts begin to restore and rebuild the iconic structure, aiming to heal the heart of Christchurch and return this architectural treasure to its people.

Saying Goodbye to New Zealand

With deep gratitude and fascination, we look back on our three-month journey through New Zealand. The untouched wilderness, the diverse landscapes, and the warmth of the people left a lasting impression on us. It truly was a magical time.

Now we say farewell to this beautiful country and continue our travels to Australia, more precisely to Melbourne.

Our experiences in New Zealand will forever stay with us — and we’re excited for the adventures that await us in Australia.