The shallow but severe quake that occurred on 22nd February has caused considerable damage to the city and its immediate surrounds. The rest of the country is physically unaffected and is perfectly safe. The city itself will take quite some time (years) to return to normality. About 180 people were killed largely in the collapse of four major buildings in the CBD area. About 60 of these were students from China and Japan studying English language in the buildings hardest hit. Most schools have been reopened, some secondary schools sharing buildings and many homes are being assessed to determine if they can be rebuilt, repaired or have to be demolished.

Place of the month to Visit...Kaikoura

Come with us on our 17day tour!!  New Zealand Senior Travel offers 17 day tours through both North and South Islands of the country. The groups are small ( no more than eight ) and two competent guides are with you all the way. The landscape  is ever-changing and very striking. Maori culture and thermal activity will be emphasised especially in the North Island. We will note the everchanging flora and fauna in both islands.  There will be an overnight homestay on a farm, a visit to a wild seacoast, glaciers and glacial lakes and we will view some places where the Hobbit movies were filmed and see the bird that is a symbol of New Zealand: the Kiwi..  Generally only a small amount of walking is involved, the longest being about 90 minutes up a river valley to the glacier face. We stay in good quality Motels or Hotels and sample a wide variety of excellent New Zealand food. Come and see our clean and green country with senior travel!!