After our weekend in Kaikoura, we had a few days to relax and take in Christchurch.  Both Sam and I really loved the city, though it is a bit small and definitely a bit sleepy.  Everyone we spoke to told us that before the big earthquake several years ago the city was a bit more bustling, and you could definitely see how that would be true.  Though they have come a long way in rebuilding, the signs of the damage are all around in the central business district (where we were staying).