We had been curious about Christchurch, both for its own history but also because of its proximity to the Southern Alps. World events gave us the opportunity to spend some time there, and we were enchanted. We spent two weeks in an Airbnb in the hills of Sumner, a suburb just south of the city, and did some exploring. Christchurch's recent history is troubled, with twin earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 creating a great deal of devastation that has yet to be completely restored. But it's a beautiful place nonetheless, with a charm and grace that transform the melancholy of tragedy.

From our window in Sumner, we looked out on Pegasus Bay -- named after the British ship that first surveyed it.

Out our other window looking down to Sumner. Sumner's Maori name is Ohikaparuparu. "O" means "place of"; "hika" means planting or rubbing; and "paruparu" means "dirt" or "fermented cockles". So, Place for Rubbing Fermented Cockles"?

We saw Echium Candicans (aka Pride of Madeira) growing along most of the walking paths. Despite the fact that it was winter in New Zealand, there were plenty of flowering plants and shrubs.

Cave Rock dominates Sumner Beach, and draws a lot of visitors exploring its nooks and crannies.

At the southern end of Christchurch, the Avon and Heathcote Rivers form an estuary before emptying into Pegasus Bay.

Christchurch is sometimes described as the most British of the cities of New Zealand. Nothing expresses that more than the Botanic Gardens.

The Botanic Garden comprises 21 hectares (51 acres) in the center of the city, with the Avon ambling through it center.

The totara tree is ubiquitous in New Zealand, and was the preferred wood for Maori wakas, the huge canoes they used for ocean travel.

This is the manuka, also called the tea tree because the leaves are used to brew tea. Virtually every part of the plant is used in one way or another, and the honey made from the tree nectar is considered to be exceedingly beneficial (and expensive!).

The Central Rose Garden has over 250 varieties of roses . . .

. . . although being it was winter, we only found a few . . .

. . . but we did find a giant one!

Avon River waters making a detour for the ducks . . .

. . . who are well thought of in this city.

Kiwis are justifiably proud of their participation of the major historical events of the world. The Bridge of Remembrance, completed in 1924, commemorates the sacrifices of New Zealanders in World War I.

Christchurch street art is captivating and a leetle surreal.

Christchurch has had tramways since 1882. The newest has been in existence since 1995, though it was damaged by the 2011 earthquake.

The 2011 earthquake was enormously devastating to the city, and claimed 185 lives. In 2012, local artist Peter Majendie unveiled his exhibit "185 Chairs" at the site of the demolished St. Paul's Church. Note the baby carrier . . . This is considered one of New Zealand's top tourist sites.

Another artifact of the 2011 earthquake, the Cardboard Cathedral is a transitional structure standing in for Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, which was heavily damaged by the earthquake. The Cardboard Cathedral has 96 cardboard tubes as part of its construction.

With two rivers winding through the city, Christchurch boasts over 250 bridges.

The Chalice adorns Cathedral Square, in the heart of the city. It was built in 2002, and acts as a counterpoint to the Christchurch Cathedral.

Victoria was originally the market square for the city . . .

. . . but subsequently was turned into a park. This statue of James Cook commemorates his three journeys to New Zealand.

The Arcade Project is pretty interesting, because these timber arches can be picked up and moved anywhere in the city, individually or in groups.

The International Antarctic Center was a load of fun to visit, with exhibits on antarctic weather, seals, and huskies . . .

. . . but it's pretty clear who the megastars are. The fairy penguins here are rescues for the most part. Their feeding schedule is one of the most popular parts of the center.

We got to know the Zig Zag, the walking path up the hill to our house, very well.

We captured this spoonbill shopping for his meal in the estuary near our place.

There are some lovely trails up above Sumner, dotted with sheep and beautiful trees.

The beach along the South Spit -- the strip of land separating Christchurch from Pegasus Bay -- provides a wonderful venue for an afternoon walk.