Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHRISTCHURCH
POP 342,000
Welcome to a vibrant city in transition, coping creatively with the aftermath of NZ's
second-worst natural disaster. Traditionally the most English of NZ cities, Christchurch's
heritage heart was all but hollowed out following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes that left
186 people dead.
Punts still glide gently down the Avon River, and the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
remain some of NZ's finest public spaces. But in the empty lots and abandoned buildings
left in the wake of the earthquakes, interesting art projects have sprung up, and clever, cre-
ative people are slowly starting to make things happen. Each new opening and restoration
is greeted with enthusiasm by a grateful public, frustrated by the pace of the rebuild and
eager to see what shape their future city will take.
If you're worried that your interest in post-earthquake Christchurch may seem in poor
taste, don't be. Locals are genuinely keen to welcome sensitive visitors back to their city -
and despite the heartache, they're the first to acknowledge how fascinating it all is.
