Christchurch Earthquake 2011
The Wilderness team extend their sympathy and concern to all the people of Christchurch affected by the earthquake on 22 February. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Christchurch.
Thankfully, our team, base, and vehicles are all fine. Our base is fully operational so we are able to offer pickups and drop offs as normal. Since our base is located away from the areas that were most significantly affected we have been able to continue on with little interruption.
Should you visit?
Whether you’re considering whether to travel to New Zealand or you have already made plans and reservations, be assured that you can continue with your plans. New Zealand is open and operating as normal, except for Christchurch. Right now, if you don’t need to go to Christchurch city, you should avoid it. That way, we can let the rescue and recovery teams get on with their essential work. You can get into Christchurch to collect your campervan but from there, you should head out to explore the rest of the South Island.
The roads into and around our Christchurch base are open. All main roads throughout New Zealand, including main roads into and out of Christchurch are open. All New Zealand airports, including Christchurch airport are open.
The quake has done considerable damage to Christchurch city and the neighbouring village of Lyttelton, but tourism infrastructure in the rest of the Canterbury province, as well as the rest of the South Island and the North Island, is operating normally. Akaroa has very little damage and all the tourism services are operating normally. The same goes for other favourite destinations like Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, and Methven.
What can you do to help
Come to New Zealand
The New Zealand Government is encouraging visitors to continue with their plans to visit New Zealand.
Your visit will make a difference by continuing to bring in much needed tourism income. A strong economy will be vital to helping Christchurch get back on its feet. In spite of this tragic event, the South Island is still one of the most beautiful regions in the world just waiting to be explored.
As Kiwi-American TV show host Phil Keoghan of 'Amazing Race' fame put it "We’re talking about the city of Christchurch, which is a small city. The rest of New Zealand is open for business, and we need to communicate that, because in all seriousness, it could absolutely collapse the economy if people just stop coming to the country. … It’s the best thing that people can do.” Phil was born just south of Christchurch and grew up in the city. Click here to watch Phil's post-earthquake tour of Christchurch and hear his message about what you can do to help.
If you have plans to stay in Christchurch either before you collect your camper or after you have returned, you should check that your hotel is still open as many hotels, motels, and lodges have been closed due to earthquake damage. If you would like to extend your hire instead of staying in Christchurch, please let us know as soon as possible so we can check availability and reserve the camper for you if possible.
Spread the word
If you're a friend of Wilderness, you can help by letting others know that New Zealand is open for business. You know first hand what a special place this is so there's no-one better to tell others around the world why New Zealand is a great place to holiday. Tell them about your favourite spots and the friendly warm welcome they'll receive.
In times of need, we all rely on our friends. Thanks for doing your bit to help Christchurch and New Zealand recover.
Make a donation
You can make a monetary contribution to the earthquake appeal through many different appeals.
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal– Donate to the global fundraiser setup by New Zealand’s Prime Minister to assist in the recovery effort.
Red Cross – Assist the work of the international relief agency working in Christchurch to provide essential support and humanitarian assistance.
Salvation Army– Help provide essential items that can be distributed by the hundreds of volunteers on the ground in Christchurch.
Adopt a Christchurch family– Give directly to a family in need.
Hope, courage, and determination
Amidst the devastation and despair, many stories of generosity, compassion and even ingenuity have warmed our hearts. Here are some you may enjoy reading about:
Being a New Zealander- American Journalist and New Zealand Herald columnist Tracey Barnett writes about New Zealanders' response to the biggest natural disaster in this country in 80 years.
'Rocky' the boulder sale raises NZ$60,000 for quake relief fund- A Christchurch resident whose house was smashed by a car-sized boulder in the 22 February quake has sold it at an online auction. Frenzied bidding on Trade Me resulted in $60,000 going to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund for a 25-30 tonne rock that landed in the home of a Heathcote Valley resident during the recent earthquake. ‘Rocky’, as the rock is affectionately referred to, has been bought by Mt Hutt Ski area owner NZ Ski Ltd and it will be re-located to the car-park at Mt Hutt. The ski area is located more than two hours drive from where ‘Rocky’ landed and was undamaged in the earthquake. The ski area is on track to open as scheduled on 11 June 2011.
More information
Here’s some help links for more information about the earthquake and its effects:
We look forward to helping you have the holiday of a life time. Remember, the biggest contribution you can make to the recovery effort is to VISIT NEW ZEALAND.