Culture
12 January 2026
Celebrating street art in the city
Discover Ōtautahi Christchurch's vibrant street art scene. Explore NZ's tallest mural & iconic works by Jacob Yikes, Kophie Su'a-Hulsbosch & more.
Christchurch street art guide: best murals & locations
Ōtautahi is a city enriched in culture with a thriving and ever-growing street art scene that will leave you in awe.
A stroll through the inner city reveals colourful artworks from a range of inspiring artists.
Take in New Zealand's tallest mural, created by Christchurch local, Jacob Yikes, incredible pieces inspired by social, ethical and environmental issues from Kophie Su'a-Hulsbosch, and other iconic works by well-known kiwi artists like Wongi Wilson, Haser, and Dcypher.
It's no wonder Christchurch has earned a strong reputation as the home of street art.
Map of Christchurch street art locations
Be sure to keep track of the ever-evolving murals in the city.
What are some of the most popular street art pieces in the city?
With over 250 street art pieces across Christchurch and more than 50 major murals in the central city, it's impossible to feature them all. We've handpicked some of the most iconic, photographed, and culturally significant works to get you started on your street art journey through Ōtautahi.
From towering tributes to intimate storytelling, each piece reflects the creativity and resilience that defines our city's urban art scene.
New Zealand's tallest mural - Jacob Yikes
During the FLARE Ōtautahi Street Art Festival in Christchurch, New Zealand, artist Jacob Yikes completed the country's tallest mural.
This impressive 53-meter-high artwork, titled Narcissa, adorns the side of the Distinction Christchurch Hotel, at 12E Cathedral Square, central city.
Armagh Street - Kophie Su'a-Hulsbosch
Located on the exterior of Casa Publica on Armagh Street, this powerful mural by Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch honours the resilience of the Pasifika community.
Created in consultation with local elders, the piece commemorates the history of the 1970s Dawn Raids while celebrating the vibrant Pacific culture that enriches Ōtautahi today.
It serves as both a beautiful floral tribute and a poignant reminder of the community's strength and history.
Barbadoes Street - Haser
'Manawa Pou, Manawa Ora' by Haser, located on the Barbadoes Street side of Ara Institute, is a striking mural by Ngāpuhi artist Haser and a powerful tribute to Ōtautahi’s resilience.
The work features traditional pātiki (flounder) patterns and two large pou (pillars), representing the city’s strength and the spirit of manaakitanga (generosity) rising from the landscape. It is a masterful fusion of Māori storytelling and modern urban art.
Manchester Street - Dcypher
This expansive mural was designed to transform the local area with a vibrant depiction of Southwark, Welles, Madras, and the nearby One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha.
As part of the Christchurch City Council's Enliven Places Project, the artwork celebrates the neighbourhood’s culture as a green, walkable, and cycle-friendly space.
With its eye-catching colours and friendly spirit, it serves as a stunning gateway to the SALT District that captures the energy of the city's 2026 landscape.
Ibis Hotel, Hereford Street - Brandon Warrell
Local artist Brandon Warrell's 'Rise from the Rubble' was chosen by public vote as part of a Christchurch City Council initiative to create a new mural for the Ibis Hotel on Hereford Street. Featuring a native Kowhai tree and wax-eye bird, the artwork beautifully celebrates New Zealand's unique flora and fauna.
Hereford Street - Kophie Su'a-Hulsbosch & Janine Williams
This powerful mural on Hereford Street next to Shands Lane celebrates a group of pioneering wāhine toa (strong women). Created by Ōtautahi artist Kophie Su'a-Hulsbosch and Tāmaki Makaurau's Janine Williams.
The artwork was funded by the Hine te Hiringa – Empower Women Utilising FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Fund, with support from Watch This Space, ChristchurchNZ, the Christchurch Foundation, and other community partners.
Tuam Street - Jacob Yikes
On the facade of Alice Cinematheque on Tuam Street, you'll discover a whimsical mural inspired by Alice in Wonderland — a fitting tribute to the independent cinema it adorns.
Created by Christchurch artist Jacob Yikes, known for his surreal and imaginative style throughout New Zealand, the artwork features his signature bizarre compositions, peculiar characters, and rich symbolism that invite viewers to tumble down their own visual rabbit hole.
Lichfield Street - Mr G
Artist Mr. G marked Christchurch's involvement in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with this commanding portrait of Kiwis Head Coach David Kidwell on Lichfield Street.
The mural stands as a lasting tribute to the tournament that brought international rugby league to Ōtautahi, capturing the coach's fierce determination and the pride of a city that rallied behind the sport on the world stage.
Riverside Market - Dcypher & Jacob Yikes
The Antarctic mural at Riverside Market is one of two painted to celebrate the city’s role as a gateway to Antarctica.
The Scott Base mural sits on the eastern wall of the market, next to The Butcher's Pie Shop.
It was created by Dcypher with support from ChristchurchNZ, and it’s become one of the city’s most snapped spots. You’ll also find it along a street art trail that shows off Christchurch’s unique connection to Antarctica.
Riverside Market - DTR Crew (Dcypher, Wongi Wilson, Ikarus & Jacob Yikes)
Located on the rear wall of Riverside Market, visible from Lichfield Street, this is one of the largest and most complex murals delivered in the city.
Completed as a partnership between Riverside Ltd, ChristchurchNZ, Oi YOU! and Madeknown, this wall tells a story of central city heritage and the global women's suffrage movement, which started in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
New Regent Street - Wongi Wilson
Wongi "Freak" Wilson, is a Christchurch-born street artist who’s been a great advocate for eliminating the negative stigma associated with graffiti art.
Wongi Wilson is well known in Christchurch for his murals, with his art forming a big part of the city's new creative identity.
His New Regent Street mural depicts a stunning woman in a glamorous dress, highlighting the eventful and theatrical history of the area, which was established in 1932.
Allen Street - Erika Pearce
This mural features Harlem-Cruz Atarangi Ihaia, from Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou, who is the reigning Miss Universe New Zealand.
Artist Erika Pearce painted her wearing a traditional moko and a crown of Kawakawa leaves to represent the sadness of the loss of the extinct huia bird.
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