The city centre & the rebuild
Christchurch's centre tells one of the world's great regeneration stories. After the devastating 2011 earthquake, the city has rebuilt with imagination — bold new architecture, riverside spaces and street art woven around restored heritage, alongside moving memorials to that day. Understanding this story, and seeing the creativity of the recovery, is one of the most rewarding parts of a visit. Here's what to see, and how to approach it.
A city reborn
The 22 February 2011 earthquake reshaped Christchurch and took 185 lives. In the years since, the centre has been transformed: the Riverside Market, the acclaimed Tūranga library, the Te Pae convention centre, restored heritage at the Arts Centre and New Regent Street, and vivid street art at every turn. It's a compact, creative and moving cityscape — best explored on foot or by tram. See our South Island tours.
Cathedral Square & the Cardboard Cathedral
The Gothic Revival ChristChurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square was badly damaged in the quake; its reinstatement is currently paused amid funding challenges, so it remains closed and is viewed from the Square. A short walk away, the uplifting Transitional ("Cardboard") Cathedral — designed by Shigeru Ban from cardboard tubes and timber — is open and remarkable. Nearby, the 185 Empty Chairs quietly honour those lost. See our Christchurch guide.
Memorials & the story
To understand the city, visit the riverside Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, the 185 Empty Chairs artwork, and Quake City, a museum telling the human story of the quakes with care. Approached respectfully, these places offer reflection and context — and set off the creativity of the rebuild all around. It's a moving, meaningful side of any Christchurch visit. See our Garden City guide.
The city centre & rebuild: your questions
On 22 February 2011, a magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck beneath Christchurch, causing devastating damage to the central city and the tragic loss of 185 lives. In the years since, the city has undertaken an enormous rebuild and regeneration. Visiting today, you'll see a centre transformed — bold new architecture and public spaces alongside restored heritage, and moving memorials to that day. It's a story of resilience worth understanding. See our things to do guide.
The Gothic Revival ChristChurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. Its reinstatement is currently paused amid funding challenges, so the building remains closed and can only be viewed from the Square. Nearby, the striking Transitional ('Cardboard') Cathedral, designed by Shigeru Ban, serves as the working cathedral and is open to visitors. Always check the latest status. See our Christchurch guide.
The Transitional Cathedral — widely known as the "Cardboard Cathedral" — is an award-winning A-frame church built after the earthquake from cardboard tubes, timber and steel, designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Bright, uplifting and genuinely remarkable, it's open to visitors and stands as a symbol of the city's recovery. Nearby, the 185 Empty Chairs artwork quietly memorialises those lost. See our things to do guide.
Plenty. The regenerated centre includes the Riverside Market, the acclaimed Tūranga central library, the Te Pae convention centre, the restored Arts Centre and New Regent Street, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial on the Avon, and vibrant street art throughout. The mix of bold new design and saved heritage makes for a fascinating, walkable city. See our Garden City guide.
Yes — thoughtfully. The city welcomes visitors to understand its story, and places like Quake City (a museum), the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial and the 185 Empty Chairs are designed for reflection and remembrance. Approached with respect, learning about the quake and the rebuild is a meaningful part of any visit, and a testament to the city's resilience. See our South Island tours.