a city in recovery: visiting christchurch
Christchurch is still infinitely beautiful, even though earthquakes literally and figuratively shook the foundations of this historical town throughout 2010 and 2011. The resiliency of it's people is what makes the city so darn cool. In the midst of the rubble there is beauty, art, and community.
In Christchurch there is plenty to do over the course of three days, all for little to no cost. The city is built on a grid and is easy to walk. If your feet get tired, hitch a ride on a historical tram for $20 or take the scenic route and go punting on the Avon river.
If you're driving, be aware roads might be closed off for repairs. However, since Christchurch is built on a grid system it is difficult to get lost as long as you have a general idea of which direction you should be headed in. I highly recommend Parkopedia to find car parks with all day parking. You might have to walk a bit farther, but it's worth it. The first day we were down near the museum and art gallery, we couldn't find a car park with all day parking and ended up spending roughly $20. Wilson's seems to be preferable to City Council parks.
Five years on and there's still quite a lot of work to be done, many historic buildings still sit waiting for their fates to be decided, but the tenacious residents of this city aren't giving up. They're staying here in this place they call home, even if they have to re-build their city out of cardboard and shipping containers.
For a unique shopping experience check out the Re:START mall. This cool retail district is comprised of food trucks and shipping container stores while the city rebuilds. There are quite a few upscale clothing stores and even a shop dedicated to quality, handmade crafts. Also dotted all around the city are Gap Filler Activities. From a city-wide mini-golf course to an instant dance party, Gap Filler aims to fill the city's empty spaces with cool, creative activities.
For the wee ones there is the brand-spanking new Margaret Mahy Playground. It's an awesome wonderland with huge slides, a sandpit, and water cannons. If you're looking for indoor fun the Imagination Station is open for all! Design LEGO jewelry, build your own mini-fig, or programme a LEGO robot. Admission to the Imagination Station is free, but some activities are paid.
If your family is a bit more edgy go on a walking tour of graffiti art revitalizing city walls. In a similar vein, the local YMCA currently has the Spectrum graffiti exhibition on until April 2016.
If you're looking for more cultured holiday, Christchurch has plenty of English style on offer with museums, gardens and art galleries. The Botanic Gardens, re-opened Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, and Art Centre (opening 2016) are all located within two blocks of each other. There are many pieces celebrating local Canterbury artists and craftsmen. The architecture in this area is a marvel to view as well.
Though you can take a quick stroll through the gardens in 30 minutes, the complete experience can take all day if you let it. There are two cafes and a restaurant located within the garden so you don't even need to leave for lunch. There is a paddling pool and playground for the kids and a small museum exhibit in the visitors centre.
ChristChurch Cathedral was the hub of the city pre-quake, while it's fate is still waiting to be decided the Anglican church has built a stunning transitional cathedral primarily out of cardboard tubes. Just another fine example of the people of Christchurch getting creative in this difficult time. You can also visit the fenced off site of the former Cathedral which is now surrounded by art, a large chess set, and memorials to those who lost lives and livelihood in the quakes.
If this is what Christchurch is like while it's still embroiled in the recovery process, I can't wait to see what's in store for the city in the next five years.
MORE TIPS:
Museums and art exhibitions are free, but donations are encouraged. Bring change and support the arts.
For a unique experience grab dinner at C1 Expresso where your burgers are delivered via pneumatic tubes. (Yes, the sucky things from the bank drive-thru)
In Christchurch there is plenty to do over the course of three days, all for little to no cost. The city is built on a grid and is easy to walk. If your feet get tired, hitch a ride on a historical tram for $20 or take the scenic route and go punting on the Avon river.
If you're driving, be aware roads might be closed off for repairs. However, since Christchurch is built on a grid system it is difficult to get lost as long as you have a general idea of which direction you should be headed in. I highly recommend Parkopedia to find car parks with all day parking. You might have to walk a bit farther, but it's worth it. The first day we were down near the museum and art gallery, we couldn't find a car park with all day parking and ended up spending roughly $20. Wilson's seems to be preferable to City Council parks.
Five years on and there's still quite a lot of work to be done, many historic buildings still sit waiting for their fates to be decided, but the tenacious residents of this city aren't giving up. They're staying here in this place they call home, even if they have to re-build their city out of cardboard and shipping containers.
For a unique shopping experience check out the Re:START mall. This cool retail district is comprised of food trucks and shipping container stores while the city rebuilds. There are quite a few upscale clothing stores and even a shop dedicated to quality, handmade crafts. Also dotted all around the city are Gap Filler Activities. From a city-wide mini-golf course to an instant dance party, Gap Filler aims to fill the city's empty spaces with cool, creative activities.
For the wee ones there is the brand-spanking new Margaret Mahy Playground. It's an awesome wonderland with huge slides, a sandpit, and water cannons. If you're looking for indoor fun the Imagination Station is open for all! Design LEGO jewelry, build your own mini-fig, or programme a LEGO robot. Admission to the Imagination Station is free, but some activities are paid.
If your family is a bit more edgy go on a walking tour of graffiti art revitalizing city walls. In a similar vein, the local YMCA currently has the Spectrum graffiti exhibition on until April 2016.
If you're looking for more cultured holiday, Christchurch has plenty of English style on offer with museums, gardens and art galleries. The Botanic Gardens, re-opened Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, and Art Centre (opening 2016) are all located within two blocks of each other. There are many pieces celebrating local Canterbury artists and craftsmen. The architecture in this area is a marvel to view as well.
Though you can take a quick stroll through the gardens in 30 minutes, the complete experience can take all day if you let it. There are two cafes and a restaurant located within the garden so you don't even need to leave for lunch. There is a paddling pool and playground for the kids and a small museum exhibit in the visitors centre.
ChristChurch Cathedral was the hub of the city pre-quake, while it's fate is still waiting to be decided the Anglican church has built a stunning transitional cathedral primarily out of cardboard tubes. Just another fine example of the people of Christchurch getting creative in this difficult time. You can also visit the fenced off site of the former Cathedral which is now surrounded by art, a large chess set, and memorials to those who lost lives and livelihood in the quakes.
If this is what Christchurch is like while it's still embroiled in the recovery process, I can't wait to see what's in store for the city in the next five years.
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MORE TIPS:
Museums and art exhibitions are free, but donations are encouraged. Bring change and support the arts.
For a unique experience grab dinner at C1 Expresso where your burgers are delivered via pneumatic tubes. (Yes, the sucky things from the bank drive-thru)
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