Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Christchurch is a city of contrast now. There is much devastation from the 2011 earthquake, but they are in the process of rebuilding. You see the remains of a destroyed building right next to a new structure. Our hotel is brand new and just opened 2 weeks ago. Stores that closed are directly across from a new shopping area. To beautify the city while it is being rebuilt, artists have constructed sculptures on sites where buildings used to be. They put bright colors and designs on the fences around construction sites and lots of plants and flowers. The city is still very energetic with lots of tourists.
There is a temporary art installation called 185 Empty Chairs as a remembrance of the people who lost their lives in the earthquake.
One of the cathedrals that was destroyed has been replaced with the Cardboard Cathedral, made completely of laminated cardboard and cardboard rolls. It cost 20 million dollars and is expected to last 20 years.
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