hkskyline's 2016 Down Under in Christchurch, New Zealand

hkskyline · #1 Posted **Oct 28, 2016, 10:27 AM**

Christchurch was not a key destination for me on my New Zealand trip. It was the entry port where I would get my bearings, pick up the rental car, and the itinerary would get interesting afterwards. First impressions were good - an efficient, small airport shining under brilliant late winter blue skies.

The city centre remains heavily under reconstruction. I was a bit disappointed how rough it still was with many abandoned buildings, empty sites, but was encouraged to see lots of new buildings coming up amidst the many empty parking lots. Nevertheless, I'm not sure whether Christchurch can get back to where it was before the earthquake at this pace of redevelopment.

The original cathedral remains in very bad shape, and is cordoned off from close-up visits.

Signs of tourism's revival are around. The tram line was restored and now operates a sightseeing service.

More on the next part or check out my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/nz-christchurch.htm

Dr Awesomesauce · #2 Posted **Oct 29, 2016, 4:47 AM**

I wasn't sure what state it would be in - not good, it turns out. Looks like they're getting there, however.

SLO · #3 Posted **Oct 30, 2016, 5:18 PM**

Yeah tons of construction, I'd like to see more what they lost. Thanks for the thread...

niwell · #4 Posted **Oct 31, 2016, 1:28 PM**

Wow - interesting stuff. It will certainly take a while to get back to even close to the pre-earthquake urban fabric. On google streetview you can switch between 2007 and 2015 views in many areas to see the difference. It's staggering.

2015: https://goo.gl/maps/48dKfBGybcz
2007: https://goo.gl/maps/rNckUV64QW22

2015: https://goo.gl/maps/nS4uxXL2VoH2
2007: https://goo.gl/maps/17audhPYuQH2

Nightsky · #5 Posted **Oct 31, 2016, 10:41 PM**

I'm a bit surprised that it still looks that messy after the earthquake, with many damaged buildings, since it was 5 years ago! But good to see construction. Hope there will not be a new one and that the city will be able to recover. Might be hard to rebuild the old cathedral.

hkskyline · #6 Posted **Nov 1, 2016, 12:17 PM**

Thanks for your support. Here are some more :

An outdoor shopping mall made of containers symbolizes the revival of retail in the city centre.

mrnyc · #7 Posted **Nov 1, 2016, 12:42 PM**

well there is certainly a lot of work underway there and that is great to see.

this thread really gives you pause.

SLO · #8 Posted **Nov 1, 2016, 7:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by niwell

Wow - interesting stuff. It will certainly take a while to get back to even close to the pre-earthquake urban fabric. On google streetview you can switch between 2007 and 2015 views in many areas to see the difference. It's staggering.

2015: https://goo.gl/maps/48dKfBGybcz
2007: https://goo.gl/maps/rNckUV64QW22

2015: https://goo.gl/maps/nS4uxXL2VoH2
2007: https://goo.gl/maps/17audhPYuQH2

Wow, thanks for posting that. My dad lived in Christchurch when he was a kid. Amazing change.

hkskyline · #9 Posted **Nov 3, 2016, 12:55 PM**

A bit disappointed with the city centre, I returned to the impressive bus terminal with afternoon light still shining. Let's head uphill for some views.

I made it to the gondola shortly after 5pm. Not realizing it was still operating under winter hours, the lack of any other tourist around gave a hint.

I didn't mind having this all to myself. The observation deck is on the top floor of the cable car station. The restaurant there was closing up but they had free water for a tired tourist like me.

I would get on the last bus of the day from here - at 6pm. All the staff here were so nice and made my day!