Christchurch has had a difficult few years. On 22 February 2011, it was hit by one of New Zealand’s deadliest natural disasters: a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that caused significant damage to the city and killed 185 people. The quake was followed by several months of aftershocks that caused considerable additional damage to the city.
However, in true Southland determination and style, Christchurch has chosen to get back on its feet, dust itself off, and continue to attract tourists from around the globe. In unique fashion, Christchurch may have even more to offer its visitors now than before the disaster. You’ll have no trouble finding a hotel in Christchurch or discovering great restaurants, shopping experiences, historical sites and outdoor adventures in this great city.
Find a hotel in Christchurch that caters to your every wish and desire, and start exploring the new Christchurch. By enjoying what the city has to offer, you will be supporting the new businesses that are inspiring Christchurch’s rebirth.
Shifting Social Hubs
The CBD is still cordoned off and recovering, so the social scene in Christchurch has shifted to different points in the city. Head up to the edge of High Street, which is the former hip shopping area and you will find the Addington Coffee Co-Op. Or, you could head down to Barbadoes Street to hang out at the grungy bohemian Beat Street Café.
Many of Christchurch’s restaurants have relocated to the suburbs of the city after the earthquake, just around the fringe of the destroyed CBD. You can find The Bodhi Tree, the only Burmese restaurant in New Zealand, in its new location in Fendalton. Victoria Street is becoming the new food street, with many bars and restaurants moving in.
Shipping Container Businesses
As Christchurch rebuilds itself after the devastation, the humble shipping container is being used as a very practical option for kick-starting the hospitality and retail sector. These large containers are being converted into everything from coffee shops to bars to restaurants, giving local businesses a temporary home until they can move back into a building again.
The Re:START development, an outdoor retail, pop-up project composed of shipping containers, features nearly 30 different retailers on Cashel Mall. Within these colorful containers you will find landmark Christchurch shops such as Johnson’s Grocery and Scorpio Books as well as some of New Zealand’s hottest designers. The whole area offers free Wi-Fi and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a coffee.
Later in the evening you will find shipping container bars such as Revival and a Middle Eastern food truck. Shipping containers have also been used as hip restaurants serving Japanese noodles or Thai food.
Live Music
The earthquake certainly hasn’t silenced the great music scene in Christchurch, and the tunes are still alive and well. There are plenty of great shows happening all around the city, and some of the key venues include The Brewery, the Darkroom and Dux Live.
Christchurch History
One of the main tourist draws to Christchurch in the past was the traditional English architecture and interesting history. Unfortunately, many of the city’s heritage buildings were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake, including the iconic Christchurch Cathedral. It is tragic that these historical buildings are no more and so much of the city’s history has been lost.
However, you can still enjoy some of the old fashioned historical attractions within Christchurch. On a warm afternoon its lots of fun to go punting on the slow and peaceful Avon River, along with a punter and guide dressed in suspenders and a top hat who can offer you some historical insight in his commentary. The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park are still open for business, as are some of the most beautiful public spaces in New Zealand. The Canterbury Museum is also still open and offers plenty of interesting exhibits about the indigenous Maori culture of New Zealand and much more.
Although Christchurch was hit hard by the earthquake, this vibrant city is on the path to a strong revival. It is growing and changing more rapidly than anywhere else in New Zealand and this steady growth pace means new and exciting businesses and tourist attractions will emerge. Go ahead and take a trip to post-earthquake Christchurch and discover what this great city has to offer.
Image from Flickr’s Creative Commons
About the Author: Joanne Oldham is a freelance travel writer who is currently making her way around New Zealand. She recommends that you take the time to explore this great city.
