TRAVEL DIARY: Day 1
CHRISTCHURCH STREETART
To be honest, Christchurch wasn’t part of my original plan for our South Island trip. I was more excited to see nature and all the beautiful landscapes. But when my husband said Christchurch is known for its street art, I got curious. After a bit of research, I was amazed by how many murals are all over the city. So, we changed our plans — and just like that, our adventure starts in CHRISTCHURCH.
We rented an SUV and picked it up at the airport, but parking at our hotel was a bit crazy. So, on our first day, we decided to leave the car and walk everywhere.
Actually, when traveling, everything seems interesting — do you notice that? Even a simple cemetery or a little lake by the road catches my attention.
Some interesting finds on our way to get coffee.
After the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, the old cathedral was badly damaged. Architect Shigeru Ban designed a temporary replacement using strong cardboard tubes, wood, and glass. Opened in 2013, the Cardboard Cathedral became a symbol of hope and resilience for the city. Love the colourful stained glass window.
The earthquake left scars across the city, artists turned broken walls into canvases. Bright murals and bold street art appeared everywhere, filling the streets with colour, energy, and a spirit of renewal. Today, Christchurch feels like an open-air gallery, alive with creativity.
Some murals at the Westpac Lane
The mural by Jacob Yikes in Christchurch is the tallest in New Zealand at 55m high.
Cathedral Square, locally known simply as the Square, is the geographical centre and heart of Christchurch. This Antarctica themed mural by the Novotel is in the centre of this square.
I found these structures fascinating but I can’t seem to find the history of it. These are in front of the cathedral which is still under construction.
Still in the Square is this beautifully painted door of by Jessie Rawcliffe. As it says on the IG post, “these paintings subvert the roles of the subject and the viewer. All hidden in plain sight, once you realise you’re being watched they won’t look away.”
Just a few minutes walk is New Regent Street which is a little slice of old Christchurch. It has pastel-coloured buildings and cheerful tourist trams clattering past. It’s the perfect spot to wander, shop, and soak up the city’s vintage charm.
About a 10 minutes walk, we reached the Riverside Market in Christchurch. A bustling hub full of fresh food, local crafts, and lively cafés. Set by the Avon River, it’s the perfect place to explore, eat, and enjoy the city’s creative spirit.
More doors from the market.
The Bridge of Remembrance is located just nearby. It is a war memorial dedicated to soldiers from the Canterbury region who died in World War I and II. Opened in 1923, it spans the Avon River and features engraved names of the fallen. Had a bit of time to do a sketch while resting our weary feet.
It was such a warm day so we could not resist a cone of gelato from the shop called Rollickin’ Gelato. With comfortable sitting area too.
It is a cool vibrant shop and outside, I spotted a commissioned mural by Wongi.
We were looking for this particular streetart but we kept on getting lost. Luckily through our wanderings we saw some of these Contemporary public art.
A steel sculpture, Vaka ‘A Hina, by Tongan artist Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaineis.
And what better way to finish off our street art trail than with a space featuring giant spray cans—an iconic symbol of urban creativity and self-expression. At least we found it in the end.
Then it was a long walk back to our hotel. Exhausted, but excited for exploration in the days to come.
I am also linking this to several challenges:
-Jo’s Monday Walk
-Monday Window Challenge
-Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
-Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge
-Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge
South Island, New Zealand – 4 April 2025
Love all the art you spotted, there’s so much to see! I only recognise a couple so it’s great to see that they’re ever changing.
There is really so much to see that I didn’t know where to start.
I love that, a feast for the eyes.
I’m not sure what I expected from a post about Christchurch. But it wasn’t a collection of vibrant street art. I love those spray cans! Thanks for taking us along on your stroll through the city.
You know me Margaret…it is always streetart for me and colourful stuff. Thanksfor stopping by.
Truly fabulous Teresa. I am glad you decided to take a walk and bring me along 😀
I am glad to have taken you along. There is so much more to see in Christchurch but so little time. I just had to pick and choose what I love to see.
What a delightful city. I’m so glad you guys changed your plans. I love the street art. The images and bright colors add so much to a city’s scene. I also like the cemetery and the little lake, and I agree about how interesting those things are when visiting a new place.
Thanks Dan, glad we share the same thoughts about simple and trivial things when traveling.
It’s clear Christchurch is definitely worth exploring! Of course I love all the street art – favourites include the Antarctica themed one, the tall one by Jacob Yikes and that face on a door. Plus, the cardboard cathedral looks amazing! And I agree that when travelling everything seems interesting 🙂
Glad we decided to visit Christchurch, it was well worth it. Thanks Sarah.
A fantastic collection of street art, Teresa. The Antarctica is my favourite although I like all of them. Thank you for the tour of Christchurch.
Glad you walked with me around this wonderful city.
I remember how horrifying it was after the earthquake. The job the city has done in recovering is amazing, Teresa. What a wonderful place to be. Thanks so much for sharing xx
I have experienced a few big earthquakes in the Philippines in my lifetime, so I know how it feels. It just shows people’s resilience after a tragedy.
That was a wonderful walk you took us with you on, Teresa 🙂. Love the giant spray cans! Thanks for sharing the post with Monday Window.
Yes, it was a long journey in finding the spray cans…but it was all worth it. Thanks PR
I love street art and you have presented some great ones as usual Teresa. Love Jacob Yikes’ piece and Jessie Rawcliffe\s
Glad you liked them. There’s still a lot that I found…but maybe posting it later on.
Awesomeness! Thanks for sharing these great works, Teresa.
An amazing collection of art. I never realised there was so much in Christchurch. Now it makes me want to go back
It deserves to be visited again 👍
Wow, Christchurch look like an amazing place, and the street art is incredible!
Glad you liked it Brenda. I really enjoyed Christchurch.
Thank you for the lovely tour
It’s my pleasure to take you with me.
I had only a few hours in Christchurch many years ago. Before the big earthquake. I was happy to see the cute, colorful old buildings survived. It is a really lovely town.
The city is so bright and colourful now with all the new murals. Thanks for commenting Mama!
We didn’t spend as much time in Christchurch as we would have liked. We were only there for a few hours before our little one had had enough and needed to go down for a long nap. We drove by the Cardboard Cathedral. It’s nice to see what we were missing. Love all the street art too.
Maybe in the future, a revisit is needed. Thanks for the comment.