Christchurch photos

About

Our photos of Christchurch show the garden city before and after the devastating earthquakes that destroyed the city center.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s third largest city and the biggest city in the South Island. Dubbed the ‘Garden City’ its urban area contains beautiful parks that surround the Avon River.

The city has the distinction of being the most English looking city outside of England. English style architecture sits on streets with famous English names such as Oxford and Cambridge Terrace. There is an extensive system of parks in the city which are famous for their significant plantings of native English trees. This English theme boggles the mind somewhat when you consider that Christchurch is the furthest city in the world from England. (New Zealand Time (NZT) is 12 hours ahead of GMT).

Christchurch earthquakes

The old city and some architecture is now gone or still severely damaged. A series of powerful earthquakes shook the city in 2010 and 2011. Today the restoration continues and thankfully some of the older buildings have been saved. What is rising out of the devastation is a clean modern city with more green spaces. However, the iconic Christchurch cathedral the center of the city still lies in a ruined state as its future is still being decided.

Post earthquake Christchurch

ReStart was a must see attraction in the city center. This outdoor mall had shops made from shipping containers. This idea was a stroke of genius. It enabled the city center to offer shops after the February 2011 quake and was able to handle the constant aftershocks. ReStart closed in 2018 to make way for new buildings.

Christchurch attractions

City attractions in Christchurch are plenty. The tram service is a great way to tour the city. The stunning Botanic Gardens and nearby Canterbury Museum are worth visiting. Sumner on the coast offers cafes and a great beach. Nearby Redcliffs is a suburb with a huge cliff face that shows the aftermath earthquake destruction. Houses were left dangling on the edge or plunged below.