Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shaky Isles
New Zealand may be a long way away from
just about everywhere, but it is not immune to
the vagaries of the global economy. In
September 2010, just as the country was
edging out of its worst recession in 30 years, a
magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Christ-
church, the nation's second-largest city. The
damage was extensive but miraculously no
lives were lost, partly because the earthquake
occurred in the early hours of the morning
when people were in their beds.
Then, in the early afternoon of 22 February
2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck
Christchurch. This time, 185 people lost their
lives. Numerous buildings, already weakened
by the September 2010 quake and its after-
shocks, were damaged beyond repair and had
to be demolished completely.
The city's rebuild has been slow; the city
centre didn't re-open fully until mid-2013.
Cantabrians, however, have displayed admir-
able resilience and innovation, helping Christ-
church to re-emerge as one of NZ's most ex-
citing cities. Fringe suburbs have been rein-
vigorated, such as Woolston ('Coolston') and
Addington, while a cardboard (yes card-
board!) cathedral has been brought into the
fold. The city was named by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top 10 cities in
Best in
Travel 2013
.
Christchurch isn't the only place to be awarded such a plaudit, with the South Island's
West Coast named one of the world's must-visit regions in
Best in Travel 2014
. This is a
timely boost for a region still reeling in the aftermath of one of NZ's worst disasters - the
loss of 29 men in the Pike River coalmine explosions in November 2010. This national
tragedy further pushed the bounds of the country's emotional and economic resilience.
Top Films
The Hobbit trilogy
(Sir Peter Jackson;
2012-14)
Lord of the Rings trilogy
(Sir Peter Jackson;
2001-03)
The Piano
(Jane Campion; 1993)
Whale Rider
(Niki Caro; 2002)
Once Were Warriors
(Lee Tamahori; 1994)
Etiquette
Rugby
Try to feign some enthusiasm. If in
doubt, mumble 'forward pass' or 'offside'.
Possums
Don't express any affection for the
tree-munching possum.
Australanders
Be sure never to mistake a New
Zealander for an Australian.
Dinnertime
In Maori culture, sitting on a table
is bad manners.
Top Books
The Luminaries
(Eleanor Catton; 2013)
Mister Pip
(Lloyd Jones; 2007)
Live Bodies
(Maurice Gee; 1998)
The 10pm Question
(Kate De Goldi; 2009)
The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield
(2007)
Bone People
(Keri Hulme; 1984)
