We were on our third day in Christchurch half way through our 5 week trip in this amazing country. Penny and ... more

We were on our third day in Christchurch half way through our 5 week trip in this amazing country. Penny and Brian went off on a well-earned holiday to their Bach and we went into the centre to visit the Cathedral, galleries and Arts Centre. It was 22 Feb and at 12.51 the earthquake struck. We were very lucky, especially as we were just a few feet away from the Observatory Tower when it collapsed.
We finally got back to the motel around 4 hours later to be greeted with relief by Penny and Brian who had rushed back from their holiday. For the next goodness knows how many hours they swept, cleared up, cleaned and checked all rooms. Amazingly we had power and internet and once we picked up the TV which had been thrown across the room, that worked too. We stayed on at Camelot that night - as Brian pointed out the motel had been through 2 earthquakes and yet we didn't have even a crack in the plaster on the walls. We had loved Christchurch and were heartbroken by all that we saw that day and the next. But the Christchurch spirit is incredible and indomitable and the 'just get on with it' attitude of everyone we met is a lesson to us all.
Penny and Brian are completely dedicated to their clients and we wouldn't stay anywhere else. See you two in 2 years when we hope to return. Kia Kaha

The Camelot Motor Lodge was our first accommodation after arriving in New Zealand, and it made for a very good start. Even though we arrived very early in the morning, every effort was made to make our rooms ready for us. The hosts were very friendly and helpful so we felt at home right from the moment go. Also, the advertised "free wireless internet" really was free of charge - unlike at most other motels (they all advertise free wifi bu most charge anyway, as we have discovered since). So this is a definite bonus. The rooms itself (we had a large 1-brm-unit) were spotless, very well appointed and comfy. And the restaurant recoomendations were very good, too. So, if we go back to Christchurch one day, we know where we will stay :-)