Christchurch reborn and revisited
Lindi, our New Zealand Product Manager, updates us on Christchurch one year on.
As we approach the first Anniversary of the tragic earthquake that so decimated the central city of Christchurch it feels appropriate to report that the “new” Christchurch is a city slowly coming to life amidst a major rebuild and redesign project.
I was there in December last year, with my son, Jack, and we spent time in the Port Hills staying with friends. For many visitors, unless you are in the city centre or eastern suburbs, there is no obvious evidence of damage. We took a bus into the city to gauge for ourselves the extent of earthquake damage and walked to Cashel Street Mall, filled with a range of brightly coloured shipping containers housing many small boutique shops and cafes. This small shopping enclave is a key part of the “RE:Start” rebuilding development project – and I can report there was a real buzz about the place, a sense of community and overwhelming support which was very humbling. It was close to Christmas so there was a definite atmosphere of hope and new beginning – even the huge cranes overhead were decked out in decorations and tinsel!
There are clear signs already that the new Christchurch will be born of inspiration and courage and the ideas, contributions and resolute spirit of not just its own community but of all New Zealanders. The Kiwis are a people whose soul and spirit captures you completely and this is never more apparent than in the extraordinary collaboration to rebuild this incredible city.
Whilst visitor attractions are not as plentiful as they were there are still a number of iconic and cultural things to see and do, including punting on the Avon, a visit to the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park or to the Canterbury Museum. On the outskirts of the city, near the airport, the International Antarctic Centre is still very much open for business and is well worth a visit.
As a main gateway to the South Island, many of our itineraries feature Christchurch at the beginning or end of your holiday, including our 21 day Pure and Simple self-drive tour.
So whilst planning your New Zealand holiday spare a little time for Christchurch and Canterbury if you can. Even if you choose to briefly pass through the city en route to somewhere else the Canterbury region has some wonderful attractions, from incredible whale watching experiences in Kaikoura, to sheer relaxation in the energising thermal pools at Hanmer Springs, or (my personal favourite) encountering Hector’s dolphins, one of the world’s rarest, on a nature cruise in the Akaroa harbour. As an added bonus you can take the TranzAlpine train across to Greymouth on the west coast, regarded by many (including us) as one of the best in the world where you can enjoy some epic scenery.
As the headline on the Stuff NZ website says: “United we stand behind Canterbury”.