Things to see in Christchurch

Quake City is a unique multi-sensory exhibition about the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes, with an active liquefaction display as well as information about quakes and their aftermath. An extension of the Canterbury Museum, Quake City features the spire cross and the broken Rose Window from the Christchurch Cathedral. Combining tragedy, heroism, humour and tributes to volunteer groups such as the Student Volunteer Army, it even has photos of people's homemade toilets called “longdrops”! This is a must see for those who want some context to the city’s reconstruction efforts.

Christchurch's Botanic Gardens were established in 1863 and cover 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority within the loop of the Avon River just minutes from the city centre. This award-winning garden has NZ’s only Peace Bell (a temple bell from Japan that is a symbol of world peace) and undoubtedly is home to the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. Permanent and temporary artworks are scattered throughout the gardens. As well as daily walking tours, an electric shuttle tour of the gardens is available from 10am to 4pm in summer and 11am to 3pm in winter.

Damaged by the 2011 quake and subsequently deconsecrated, the Anglican Cathedral is still pulling in visitors and photographers even though entry inside is prohibited. The transitional ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ is about three blocks north of the square and the city is still in debate about the fate of this 1800s Gothic building. The Anglican Church is currently considering the reconstruction of the building.

Ferrymead Heritage Park features a 1900s (Edwardian) township, with exhibits including houses, a picture theatre, a school classroom and a church, as well as a jail, a railway station, a post office, a tobacconist and a general store. They also have a large array of largely personal collections that are often open for viewing, particularly on Sundays. Check the website for the days when the steam train and trams are running.