Journey• Travel

Resilient ChristChurch – All will be Well

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake on February 22, 2011 in ChristChurch has changed the landscape of this town and destroyed lot of buildings but over the past 8 years this city has been resilient into rebuilding itself as a modern and urban center.

I’m so glad that I decided to stay two more days after my Amplified New Zealand tour in the ChristChurch city center. I found a nice central apartment to rent in a modern building because the chances of finding an apartment in a historic building is rare.

What I did like about this town is how easy it is to walk everywhere and there’s a lot to do in this compact city center from art galleries, shopping, dining, botanical gardens, playing in the park or taking a boat ride on the Avon River.

My highlights from being there for two days –

Cardboard Cathedral –

After checking into my apartment, I went to the “ChristChurch Transitional Cathedral,” also known as the “Cardboard Cathedral,” which was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and situated near Latimer Square. It opened in August 2013 to be a transitional church for the ChristChurch Cathedral, which was significantly damaged in the earthquake. The cardboard cathedral is a symbol of moving on and it was spectacular to see the use of materials to build this church. While it’s supposed to only last 50 years, I hope this architectural marvel, stays here much longer.

185 Empty Chairs Memorial –

Across from back side of the Cardbaord Cathedral is the “185 Empty Chairs Memorial,” paying respect to the 185 lives that were lost due to the 2011 earthquake. The current site of 185 Chairs was once a vacant lot, ironically made up of about 185 square meters of grass. But local artist Peter Majendie transformed it into the unique and powerful installation it is today. Says Majendie, “the installation is temporary—as is life.”

Oi Manawa Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial –

This memorial pays respect to those who lost their lives, those who were seriously injured and survivors. The memorial also acknowledges the shared trauma and the support received during the response and recovery that followed.

Christchurch Cathedral –

The 2011 earthquake destroyed the spire and the upper portion of the tower, and severely damaged the rest of the building. A lower portion of the tower was demolished immediately following the 2011 earthquake to facilitate search and rescue operations. The remainder of the tower was demolished in March 2012. The badly damaged west wall, which contained the rose window, partially collapsed in June 2011. In 2017, Christchurch Diocesan Synod announced that ChristChurch Cathedral will be reinstated after promises of extra grants and loans from local and central government. Work is underway to rebuild the church.

Christchurch Central Library –

This is by far one of the best modern libraries I’ve ever stepped my foot in. Designed by New Zealand company Architectus in partnership with Danish library design experts schmidt hammer lassen, it is truly an inspiring, jaw dropping and functional library. Even this little baby in the picture below is excited to climb the stairs and read his favorite storybook. I love how it has a cafe, game area and a roof deck as well.

Botanical Gardens –

Sometimes, I love to connect with nature and be “one,” with the Universal energy and the Botanical Gardens is just one of those perfect places to unwind and rejuvenate.

Constructions around town –

Birds nesting in a destroyed building –

Margaret Mahy Family Playground –

Where adults can be kids again 🙂

Near The Commons and Victoria Square –

Around the Avon River –

It’s wonderful to just sit and enjoy life as the river flows at a soothing pace.

Artist at work –

Art around town –

Christchurch Art Gallery –

Heart on the Horizon –

I met Maxine Burney, a local Kiwi artist, at her pop-up studio and as I was admiring her artwork, she took time to spark a conversation while she was painting. As I got to know more about her, I wanted a piece of her artwork, something small that I could fit into my already overflowing carryon bag. I saw this small tile of heaven blue sky and lush green earth, and asked Maxine if I could buy this one. Well, it was not finished but she agreed to sell it, if she could add some final touches. She made a ❤️ and called it “Heart on the Horizon.” I’m so happy to have this tiny masterpiece which will always remind me of having my heart on the horizon filled with love for everyone.

Riverside Market –

Is an exciting new indoor market, which is open 7-days a week, has vibrant boutiques, retail, restaurants, cafes & bars, with the goal to have fresh and organic products.

Dining around town –