Our cheap airfare from Shanghai to Christchurch entailed long airport layovers, during which we realized the weather was not cooperating with travel plans, and proceeded to revamp our route. Our new program started with touring Christchurch.
Though Christchurch may be the largest city on the south island, the center is rather compact. The city is still emerging from two earthquakes in 2011 and 2010. Not knowing what the city was like before, as a distinct departure from other New Zealand cities, Christchurch has a lot of new residential housing throughout and right around the CBD (Central Business District), making the city more livable and vibrant.
Stay tuned for several more Christchurch reports. We'll return here after spending time in Dunedin and the West Coast.
Our hotel in Christchurch was near the Bridge of Remembrance and the Botanic Gardens.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens and luscious Rose Gardens.
Punting On The Avon River which winds through the city center.
Ducks, Flowers, and Veggies at the Botanic Gardens.
Jackfruit Curry Vegan Meal at Indo Tempeh Restaurant. The owner was super friendly.
The so-called Cardboard Cathedral is a symbol of the rebirth of the city after the earthquake. Designed to be the "Transitional Cathedral", now an icon, it gets its name from 90 cardboard tubes that form the A-frame walls and roof. Whoops, I accidentally took a photo inside the church - no photos during choir practice said a very small sign - and the priest hurried over to admonish me. (2nd below).
The new "One New Zealand Stadium" is almost completed. Due to open in April 2026.
This building on the former University of Canterbury site was damaged in the earthquake and is undergoing repairs; its exterior walls are temporarily shored up with huge stone buttresses while permanent strengthening is completed.
Many of the newer buildings in city center are very modern e.g. the Deloitte Building, Convention Centre, and Central Library.
The Spanish Mission Style New Regent Street Pedestrian Mall was built in the 1930's.
The Christchurch Cathedral (L), being rebuilt after significant earthquake damage, and Cathedral Square.
Tourist trams are running.
New Housing Units and Friendly Streets.
The Nio-A and Nio-Un Mural. Just one of many murals around town.
The Ōtautahi Trompe-l'œil Mural
The Church Pub - Formerly the Trinity Congregational Church ( 1875)
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