Christchurch Earthquake Update

Key Information:

Intending travellers to Christchurch should be aware that the central city area of Christchurch and some of the City's eastern suburbs suffered damage from significant earthquake events in September 2010 and again in February 2011. The city continues to experience occasional aftershock activity but not on the damaging scale of the initial seismic events.

The status of the city is as follows :

A small area of the Christchurch central business district called the "red zone" remains cordoned off from public access while underground infrastructure is repaired and demolition of damaged buildings is completed. Cathedral Square is currently in the cordoned off area. The "red zone" area will re-open in stages during 2012 as remedial work is completed. Please see map below for details.
More than 98% of the Christchurch City roading network is fully operational and all power, water and waste water services are operating normally.
Christchurch International Airport and Addington Railway Station have not been affected by any of the previous earthquake activity. All public transport systems and networks are operating normally.

What's New in the "Pop Up" City

Christchurch Guides to the "Pop Up" City

Lonely Planet has described Christchurch as "re-emerging as one of New Zealand's most exciting cities". View their Lonely Planet Post-Quake Guide to Christchurch for tips on how to spend a couple of days in the city.
Christchurch is the home of many pop-up cafes, restaurants and bars. Keep up to date on the latest openings by reading the new Christchurch "Pop Up" Blog.

Shopping

A new retail and cafe precinct called "Project Restart" featuring 29 retail shops built in fashionably presented shipping containers has recently opened in the Cashel Mall area of Cashel Street.

More than 95% of the shopping malls, supermarkets and petrol stations in Christchurch city are back in operation.

Eating and Drinking

Whether you're after a five-star dining experience or simply want to go somewhere for great coffee, Christchurch city can still cater to your needs. Check out our Top Picks for each of the key surburban areas for dining in Christchurch.

Project Restart

New Visitor Information Centre

A new Visitor Information Centre is operating in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in Rolleston Avenue (alongside the Canterbury Museum) and is open from 8.30am to 5.00 pm daily.

Here you'll find friendly staff brimming with knowledge about the best things to see and do in the area. From major attractions to hidden gems off the beaten path, the friendly staff can help plan an itinerary that works for you, whatever your time and budget.

Visitor Information about Christchurch is available on +64 3 379 9629. If calling within New Zealand dial 0800 423 783 toll free.

Christchurch Map

There is lots to see and do in Christchurch outside the cordoned off CBD area. This includes major attractions, family activities and places to shop, wine and dine. There are also many accommodation options for visitors. Many of these can be located on the map, for full lists please visit the category sections in the main navigation of the homepage.

PDF version of map

Where to Stay

Although Christchurch currently has more than 6500 commercial accommodation guest rooms, there are some hotels and backpacker premises that are no longer operating in the CBD area.

This is placing some restriction on accommodation availability at peak holiday times or during major events. We advise intending travellers to book their Christchurch city accommodation well in advance of travel. There is generally plenty of accommodation available on the outskirts of Christchurch City and across the Canterbury region.

View list of operational City Accommodation Providers and their contact details (pdf)
Check online availability for Christchurch and Canterbury

What To See & Do

The majority of our major visitor attractions and activities are operating, however some activities and attractions in the very central city and on the Port Hills to the east of the city are not operating.

For example there is no access to buildings and activities in Cathedral Square. Other key tourism attractions that are not currently operating include the Mt Cavendish Gondola, the Tram, the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Christchurch Arts Centre.

View list of operational City Activity Providers and their contact information (pdf)
Search Activity listings throughout Christchurch and Canterbury

Useful Links

These links will help you find relevant information:

Updates
Christchurch City Council Website	www.ccc.govt.nz
Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council Website	www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority	www.cera.govt.nz
NZ Government Announcements	www.beehive.govt.nz
Information on Road Closures	www.ccc.govt.nz
Department of Conservation updates	www.doc.govt.nz
Scientific Information about the Earthquake
Official GNS Canterbury earthquake update	www.gns.cri.nz
Scientific explanation for Canterbury earthquakes	www.geonet.org.nz
Information on the details of the most recent aftershocks	www.geonet.org.nz
Understand what causes earthquakes	www.teana.govt.nz

Backpackers Explore Christchurch - May 2011

Watch as a couple of backpacker's with common interests meet up and explore the city of Christchurch and its surrounding areas. Discovering that despite the large earthquakes in early 2011, there is still plenty to see, do and enjoy. Push play to watch their adventure unfold.