A Day in Christchurch

We heard a lot of things about Christchurch that really weren’t that great but we really enjoyed the time we had there. People were friendly, it felt like a smaller community that cares, and I’m not gonna lie, I don’t mind it being flat! Staying up in the hills with the view of downtown every night was really awesome and I could see myself living there.
I hope you enjoyed the video, thank you so much for watching 🙂
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[@gilliantempleton3253]

over 150 deaths in the earthquake, first of many earthquakes. It wasnt just the centre city all the suburbs were effected too. New Brighton and the eastern suburbs were hit hard. Our house was unliveable, the foundations gave way, the brick chimney collapsed. We had to move to another house. So many people were injured, so much damage, still get a few aftershocks which brings back the memories and trauma. I had a heavy wardrobe land on my spine during one of the aftershocks. In another one we had one on the east side in the morning, picked up one child from school after that one then raced over to Merivale where my other daughter went to school just in time for the next big aftershock. I remember bbeing thrown to the floor and then when it finished taking that daughter out to the car where my other daughter was waiting in the car with the newfoundland dog - the car had moved and the dog was sitting on top of the other daughter!!!

[@donovankelly12]

Oh wow Gillian that is quite the experience you went through! I’ve been able to see a few different documentaries on the 2011 Christchurch earthquake but your story makes it feel a lot more impactful. Thank you for sharing and I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that.

[@zanem-j1808]

I grew up in Christchurch and left for Wellington, I experienced the Earthquake and it was devastating.. the first one felt unreal, like a train going through the house.. I was about 13 at the time, then the big one after that, I still cannot describe the feeling other than before it hit you felt it coming.. I woke up just before the 7.1 hit, like your body knows somethings wrong. The second quake was so loud you couldn't hear your own scream at the top of your lungs it was that loud!. Anyways thanks for showing this video, I really missed Christchurch when I left.. I'm glad its become a flourishing place with a rich culture around it, there is still problems though like any city and place, the best parks of Christchurch are the Avon River, Sumner Beach area and New Brighton Beach.. though now the city has some great malls and new additions to it, growing up in the poorer areas in that city was hard to reach these nicer areas and enjoy them like you did. It seems to be great place to visit again which I'm happy for but living there I recommend nicer parts of Christchurch with that rich culture and safe communities, though that's my take on it from growing up there, its very laid back and spread out so it takes time traveling around.. otherwise its nice, more for older people that maybe want a slower lifestyle in general.. lots of retirement homes in Christchurch too!. Regardless it's nice to see the best parts of Christchurch in this light :) great camera work! you deserve more love ❤

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you for sharing this, I really appreciate your story. As someone who’s never felt an Earthquake let alone a 7.1 I just have no idea what that would feel like. It’s so great to hear your thoughts on the area having growing up there. I know for a lot of people it’s just a place to fly in so they can start exploring the South Island but as a city we quite enjoyed it. If a few things worked differently we might have been living there right now because we did really enjoy our 6+ weeks there. Thank you again for the kind comment. It’s words like these that make me happy to make a video like this. Cheers 🍻

[@kathyt1914]

So pleased you enjoyed Christchurch look forward to finding your other tours. I have lived in Christchurch most of my 75 year old life always came back home.yes I trust we are friendly it is a fairly easy place to live. Looking forward to searching for some more posts from you Pity you did not catch the tram which has a very interesting commentary of the history and the rebuild. Progress after the earthquake seems to have been slow but credit where credit is due . We all had ideas of what we wanted in the rebuild. The inspiring design of new architecture has been of benefit. I was in the city the day of the earthquake, have many stories of how we coped however I always say that sometimes adversity brings out the best in people. By the way where did your name Donovan come from ? My maiden surname was Donovan . my family came from Ireland via Australia in the late 1800s There is a Donovan castle in Ireland. All the best

[@westy67]

Happy post birthday brother. Brilliant start in my neighborhood. Enjoy the rest of your time exploring!!

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you!! You have a pretty wicked awesome neighborhood haha cheers 😃🍻

[@westy67]

@@donovankelly12 she's a pretty cool spot alright. Glad you got a beautiful start to the day. Be great to meet you guys if you're still in Chch.

[@donovankelly12]

@@westy67unfortunately we’ve moved to Nelson but next time we are back I’ll let you know!

[@barbaradean6424]

Thank you. ChCh was my home town growing up. I left in 1988, well before the earthquake. Returned to visit relies just after earthquake. It was terrible to see my home town flattened.. but you have shown me a lovely city, it appears still to be a garden city.... lovely to see The Bridge of Rememberance still standing, the statues of Victoria and others still standing. Looks as though something is going on with the Cathedral.. Really pleased about that... Cathedral Square was the main feature in the old ChCh.❤❤

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you for the kind comment, you are so welcome! I can only imagine what it would feel like to experience that… we really enjoyed our time in Christchurch and we feel it’s a wonderful place based on everything we were able to see and experience 😃

[@gregvolpi3857]

Happy birthday 🎉, too our newest kiwi

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you so much!!

[@martinbynion1589]

Born in England, spent most of my life in Wellington. My heart will be buried in Christchurch, I swear! Oh, and this is a GREAT video!

[@donovankelly12]

Very interesting, thanks Martin! Really appreciate it. Two amazing cities 😃🍻

[@debbiegarland7124]

Thanks and happy birthday. I was born in ChCh, I am glad you like our city we've been through a lot, but are really lucky to be able to rebuild it. Kia kaha.

[@donovankelly12]

Love Christchurch. Thank you for leaving a wonderful comment

[@nicotinedeals]

Happy birthday man! 🥳Great video with amazing footage and sound. Love the pier and beach shots. Christchurch seams to be a lovely city

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you!! I’m pretty happy with the sounds so thanks for saying that 😃 Christchurch is pretty awesome, definitely the most similar city to where we are from in Canada, Calgary, more flat and close to the mountains but instead of flat prairies to the East there’s the Pacific Ocean 😃🍻

[@ebenwilliam5643]

From my perspective ,you deserve way more subscribers at a bare minimum 300 k .Those footages with such high clarity and making this vlogs such intresting story telling.....Live it man ❤

[@donovankelly12]

Hey thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind comment and I’m happy you enjoyed it!! 😃🍻

[@0000asdfasdf0000]

Loved your video style. We finally came back home after 23 years in the USA and 2 in BC, CA! Loved Canada! CANADIANS ARE LIKE THE NICEST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET WHICH TAKES STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE! I have lived in a lot of countries and amongst a lot of cultures. I'm also from down undah!

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you very much!! 🙌 haha SO GLAD you had a great time in Canada, BC is such a beautiful place in the world! So glad you enjoyed 😃🍻

[@baileyscoolgamingvideos6039]

Great video all of the drone shots, Sunset and sunrises looked amazing it’s going to get a bit more Busy from this weekend for 2 weeks.

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you, Bailey! Yeah that sunrise had a lot of beautiful colours that morning, one of the best we’ve witnessed here so far. Thank you for always watching 😃🍻

[@MattJenkinson]

The spot where you filmed the intro is my morning, every morning! Perfect for a birthday sunrise!

[@donovankelly12]

Ah man that’s a pretty great spot, super jealous!!

[@DWtrainsNZ]

Nice video. Top notch editing as always. You've really got the knack of choosing what clips to use, what order to put them in, and doing all the other little things to bring the whole thing together. I'm not as creative as you clearly are so apart from having fleeting moments of brilliance I tend to struggle with the editing process so good on you man, it isn't easy. I've been in Christchurch a couple of times, the first time was a few years before the big earthquake and I distinctly remember back then to me apart from a handful of buildings the CBD looked really bland, there were too many buildings made out of just concrete and/or stone, a lack of trees in places, and generally speaking a real lack of street art and colourful eyecatching buildings. Now partially thanks to that earthquake the CBD looks great from what I've seen on here and on the likes of Facebook. There is so much more colour around that area. My youngest brother is currently studing at the university so I'm really hoping I can head down there before he finishes so he can show me around the city, and I can take him up to Arthurs Pass, down to Oamaru and to a few of the places you've made me aware of (so thanks for that).

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you! I really appreciate that compliment. I definitely spend a lot of time editing - about an hour per minute lol so I am very glad to hear you appreciate it. That’s really interesting to hear, I had no idea what it was like pre earthquake but it’s really beautiful now. Hopefully you do get a chance to get down there and explore a bit in Oamaru and more! It’s an area we thoroughly enjoyed 😃

[@wwiillll]

Happy birthday Donovan! Always enjoy your videos of home, especially now I'm living in Perth. Take care

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you very much! So happy you enjoy them 😃 always appreciate the comments. Cheers to you 🍻

[@susanhammond2724]

Great views of the city. I work just not far from 2 Thumb brewing in Sydenham which I think I heard you mention in another video. There have been some lovely sunrises lately driving into the city.🙂

[@donovankelly12]

Oh awesome! Yeah we’ve become pretty big fans of Two Thumb Brewing 😃🍻 that’s so great to hear. I’ll always remember our time up in the Hills getting see the sun glow every morning 🌅😃

[@brydensears6318]

Great video

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you so much!! Very happy you enjoyed it 😃🍻

[@modfus]

Happy Birthday Donovan🥳 - I hope you're not missing home too much.

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you so much! Some days a little more than others but it’s gonna be cold there soon haha so definitely don’t want to go anytime soon

[@jonlydon]

Really enjoyed this video. The Art gallery and The Arts centre, Hagley Park are my favourite parts. Enjoy your time there,

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you! We will be exploring Hagley Park more when we go back in January, but I’ll make sure to check out the Arts centre there!! Cheers 😃🍻

[@gazeral8136]

Happy Birthday. Another great video. Can't wait till the next one.

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you! Thinking Hooker Valley track for next week! 😃🍻

[@nzlemming]

Nice drone shots, Donovan. The first time I went to Christchurch after the quake was scary. I had no landmarks, no reference points at all. Also, check out the Art Gallery. I think it's the best in NZ. And Happy Birthday!

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you!! Great recommendation, I’ll have to check it out next time, something we never got too. Appreciate it!! 😃🍻

[@mikes6221]

Awesome video Donovan . Christchurch sure has recovered from the earthquake. Terrific sunrise shot from New Brighton. Happy birthday mate

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you 🙏 yeah absolutely, a lot still in construction but I’m sure it will look amazing when most of it’s done. Appreciate it mate

[@renatamortazavi2450]

This is a great video. The sunrise💕 and even the sunset are amazing. You have such a "great eye" to capture the beauty of the nature.👍👏. The city is amazing. Happy Bday Donovan 🎉🎉

[@donovankelly12]

I really appreciate that, thank you very much! The sunrise definitely won that day but I have some footage of some great sunsets there I’ll hopefully use in the future 😃😃

[@brittanymorgan09]

Amazing job!! This vlog is so wholesome and relaxing. Your editing is 10/10 😍Christchurch is a true gem.

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you!! Yeah Christchurch treated us very kindly 😃😃

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Hey Donovan, like all your videos - what a great perspective on mood & lighting. In my day we only had postcards and aerograms to share. Hope You and Brittany have a very Merry Christmas

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you Richard, I really appreciate that. Very thankful for that wonderful day. We hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas 🎄

[@newtrimene8927]

Well hope you had a wonderful birthday

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you! Wonderful indeed 😃

[@trudimclaren4301]

Happy birthday! Looks like you had a beautiful day for it!

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you, Trudi!! Couldn’t have asked for a better day 😃

[@marileekennedy7077]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Donovan! I hope it was a good one!🎉🍺🎈🍰🥳 I think this may be your best video yet. The music is MESMERIZING! The shots are fabulous, especially the beginning at the beach. Great job!🤗

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you SO much! Yeah the beginning is my favourite too, I am very glad you enjoyed it 😃😃

[@donnamaben775]

Happy Birthay Mate.

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you so much!

[@maskedmistykohu369]

Happy birthday 🎉 hope u had amazing day keep up the amazing creations ❤

[@donovankelly12]

It was a really amazing day, thank you so much! 😃❤️🍻

[@SupersetEverything]

Happy Birthday 🎉 and congratulations on your 100th video Donovan! It is fun to watch your first videos and now these ones to see how far you have come. As always I am super inspired with your videos! Keep up the good work ❤

[@donovankelly12]

Hey thanks a lot man! Haha yeah the first ones are your worst ones, it’s very true! 😃🍻

[@MrAdamred]

Happy Birthday mate

[@donovankelly12]

Thanks mate!!

[@CookingAroundTheWorld]

I have been to Christchurch more than 15 times and yet it took an American to show me New Brighton beach. I think you should stay forever and just tour New Zealand haha. hey thanks for another great video, so chilled and unlike other vlogs.

[@donovankelly12]

Haha thank you! Just a note- I am a proud Canadian 🇨🇦 but so many people on the South Island assumed we are American lol

[@CookingAroundTheWorld]

Now it makes sense. I'm so sorry calling you an American.@@donovankelly12

[@donovankelly12]

No problem at all! I’ve met a lot of great Americans so I’m not offended haha

[@Battleneter]

New Brighton, a very old and "has been" CHCH area, but certainly making a comeback, hot pools their also worth a visit.

[@M.B.ChalliesNZ]

Harold Huritau 🥳🌿❤️🇳🇿

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you!!

[@lynhampton8072]

I HOPE YOU HAD A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY XXX

[@donovankelly12]

SUPER HAPPY!! THANK YOU!!!

[@mohammedbinladen4619]

NZ and Christchurch are always better in summertime.

[@donovankelly12]

I could see that, I personally prefer spring and autumn for visiting places because I don’t do that well in super hot places haha

[@Max_Flashheart]

The Keas saw you coming

[@donovankelly12]

Haha absolutely

[@mbnb007]

the reason you may not be getting many radio stations is that some cars especially japanese imports is they need a band expander as most stations are in the 90s and japan cars dont go that high in the frequencies

[@donovankelly12]

Ooo very interesting, that is so true! I had not heard that before but I’ve been really confused why we can’t tune into a radio station above 89.9. Thanks for sharing that!

[@suitcasejunkies8719]

Nice video, thank you for sharing your experience. Question, I am heading to Christchurch in February and I was wondering did you run into any problems flying your drone while there?

[@donovankelly12]

Thank you! Great question, actually yeah there are a lot of no fly zones because of the airport and different hospitals but New Brighton Beach is an area you can fly. I’d recommend using the AirShare app if you don’t already have it, you can request consent/ permission to fly and it will point you in the right direction when you need to fill out any required documents to fly in a specific area. Hope that helps! 😃🍻

[@suitcasejunkies8719]

@@donovankelly12 thank you so much for this info.

[@evanjohnsonville6626]

How are you preparing for the NHL season? And more specifically the Colorado Avalanche season opener? Slappy milkday browser dawg

[@donovankelly12]

Haha no preparation at all. I watched an interview with Nate Dawg and Landy talking about his rehab, that’s about it!

[@vikingsid]

I plan to visit Christchurch one of these days… am curious if I could use my US/State drivers license to drive in Christchurch or would I have to get an international drivers license?

[@donovankelly12]

I hope you do! It’s a nice place. You should be good to use your drivers license, I read that if you are going to be in NZ for longer than a year you may need an international drivers license but you’re good otherwise 🍻

[@Xavier7799]

How can you afford to live in Cashmere Hills?

[@donovankelly12]

I don’t! Just had an AirBnb there for 6 weeks until we found a place. It was pricey

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

YT is still blocking my comments.

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

Worked?

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

Donovan

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

Checkout

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

Ruby Tui

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

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