July Holiday - Christchurch

For the first week of the holidays we decided that a catch up in Christchurch was in order and so we packed our bags and headed out. The first problem of the holiday was how to get to Christchurch when the Lewis Pass is closed.... Thats easy you go to Greymouth (1 1/2 hour drive) and then hang a left somewhere and then drive to Christchurch through the Arthur's and Porters Pass. (Another 4 hours)

The road through the Arthurs and Porters pass was also marginal but at least it was open and we had chains. Chains that were slightly too small but they would do.

The scenery was spectacular and the drive was reasonable.... At least the road was not closed. We did have to try the chains for a small 500 mtr stretch as a truck had jackknifed in the ice that was a little scary but we made it through safely. We did at that stage decide that chains that fit were necessary.

Here are some of the photos of the scenery on our trip.

Share and share alike I say... This bridge just out of Greymouth is a one lane bridge but I am guessing that the trains get right of way.

Our first decent view of the mountains to come.

Snowy conditions are on their way.....

This bridge has been built over the road to allow the snow that comes down the side of the hill to fall harmlessly to the river below.... It was cool.

And this structure just 150 mtrs up the road to allow water to go in the same direction. Some of the water was in frozen icicles hanging off the end of the bridge. This photo was taken from the lookout area.

Christina having some fun in the snow.

Patrick has found his own footsteps in the snow.

A Kea that came out to play with us.... or maybe it was the food he came for.

Emily is enjoying the snow too.

We finally made it to Christchurch after having to put the snow chains on the car to discover that they were too small but they were enough to get us past a really tricky bit of ice that had caused a logging truck to jackknife.