We’ve just got back from a trip to Greymouth and Christchurch (booked well before the earthquake). We took the Tranz-scenic over the southern alps with a small group of friends and had a great time. On the way over, everything was frosted with snow
and on the way back the next day, much of it had melted
Magic. Greymouth has some great little cafes, like dp one (by the river) with its retro Formica tables and Frank’s (on the main drag), which often has live music (just not on the night we were there).
It was fun being snowed on on the way back, when they let us out for 5 minutes at Arthur’s Pass.
Then it was back to Christchurch. The centre of the city seemed in better shape than we had feared – the occasional pile of rubble, closed-off street or taped-off building, but overall, Christchurch is open for business and no doubt the retailers would be happy to see you. But some of the outer suburbs are apparently in far worse shape, with thousands of homes expected to be demolished. Clearly, the after-effects will ripple on for a long time to come.
Janis Freegard's Weblog 
I do like to read of people enjoying Greymouth Janis! It was lovely to see Peter when he was over for the mining conference.
Yes, I’ve always enjoyed trips to the coast & I know Peter had a great time when he was over last. It was only an overnight stay this time, but what with lunches and birthday dinners, we managed to clock up 5 different cafe visits (all good, too!).