Seeing Christchurch CBD through Tourist Eyes

After five years of covering Christchurch's earthquake devastation and the road to recovery, I ventured out to see how the city was being presented to tourists. Hassle-Free Tours were my hosts and the one hour tour was comprehensive and interesting. The vantage point of the open-top double-decker bus was excellent and gave me a new perspective of the city. Crumbling ruins still dominate some areas while in others, cranes and construction signal new life and growth. The giant "sand-pits" are still part of the landscape with many being used as temporary car parks. The commentary on the tour was very good and I learned several interesting things about the rebuild. Here are some of the photos I took on the tour.

Christchurch Cathedral Five Years after the Earthquakes

On February 22nd 2016, it will be five years since Christchurch central and surrounds were devastated by a 6.3 earthquake and numerous aftershocks. The Gothic-style Christchurch Cathedral was badly damaged in the shakes and has been standing in a state of disrepair ever since. Latest news reports say that a final decision about its future should be made in April 2016. Many hope that it will be restored to its former glory. At present, it stands fenced off with camera surveillance to stop people trespassing and entering the area. It still draws crowds who gaze through the fence and photograph it from every angle.

Time Lapse Video of Christchurch Central

 

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority has released a video showing time-lapse photography of the Christchurch Central Business District taken between 1 February 2012 and 31 January 2013.

Shot from the roof of HSBC Tower on Worcester Boulevard, the video depicts changes to the CBD landscape looking out towards Cathedral Square.