Christchurch Earthquake Book on Promotion

Magnitude 7.1 & 6.3 is a compilation of true life experiences of men, women and children who lived through the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. With the approaching third anniversary of the 6.3 earthquake that devastated Christchurch, the Kindle version of the book has been reduced from $4.99 to 99 cents for the last two weeks of February.

Christchurch Cardboard Transitional Cathedral

The stone neo-Gothic Christchurch Cathedral was badly damaged in the 22nd February 2011 earthquake and to date, still stands in ruins, its future undecided. A Japanese architect by the name of Shigeru Ban designed a new building with an expected life span of approximately 50 years. This was opened in August 2013 and continues to draw crowds of tourists as well as worshippers.

It is constructed from wood and steel with cardboard cylinders lining the polycarbonate roof. The floor is polished concrete and the cardboard theme is carried through the interior. Seating is rows of simple wooden chairs with padded cream cushions. The overall effect is one of light and beauty and this is enhanced by the coloured glass window over the entrance. This consists of 49 panels and includes designs from the original Christchurch Cathedral's rose window.

The Transitional Cathedral has filled a hole in the hearts of Christchurch people and is a place where they can worship God, reflect on life and enjoy peaceful moments.

Photo Tour of Cathedral Square Christchurch - Post Earthquakes

Christchurch CBD reopened to the public at the end of June 2013. This was after being cordoned off to the public since the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in February 2011. A walk through Cathedral Square on the 24th July 2013 revealed massive gaps where buildings have fallen. Christchurch Cathedral still stands in ruins and ongoing demolitions continue in the area.

Christchurch Gondola Reopens after Earthquake

The Christchurch Gondola reopened on Monday 25th March 2013. This was more than two years after the 6.3 magnitude 22nd February earthquake that devastated Christchurch. Remedial work had to be done on the hillside to prevent the possibility of rockfalls and the top station was revamped after a water tank burst during the quake.

 

 

Each car can hold four people and offers spectacular views across Christchurch and the coast as it rises almost one kilometre to the top of Mount Cavendish. The route passes over Summit Rd and visitors can observe the masses of rocks that fell during the earthquake. The road is seriously damaged and closed to the public although cyclists have made a path through the rockfalls and continue to ride up there. From the top station, visitors are able to walk around and see Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula on one side and Christchurch and surrounds on the other.

 

 

 

 

The Red Rock cafe offers a good range of food and coffee and the Time Tunnel traces the history of the area from its volcanic beginnings through to post earthquake Christchurch. This presentation has been updated and ends with a message of encouragement.

 

 

It is fantastic to see the Christchurch Gondola in action again and tourists and locals poured in over Easter to support the newly opened venture. The cost is $25 for adults and $12 for children aged 5-15. Locals can buy an annual pass for $45 with a child's one costing $20. More details can be obtained from their website.