Quake City
Experience the resilience of Christchurch through personal stories and interactive exhibits detailing the 2010-2011 earthquakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
Quake City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the resilience of Christchurch through personal stories and interactive exhibits detailing the 2010-2011 earthquakes.
"A must-go to appreciate the kindness, unity, and strength of the NZ people."
⏳ Allow ample time
Set aside at least an hour to read displays and watch videos. Rushing misses the impact.
🤝 Chat with staff
Local staff offer personal insights and can share fascinating stories about the city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Survival Story Videos
Heartfelt accounts of resilience and hope from those who lived through the earthquakes.
Interactive Exhibits
Engage with hands-on displays demonstrating earthquake science and city rebuilding efforts.
Liquefaction & Architecture
Understand the science behind liquefaction and the innovative architectural solutions post-quake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Prepare for an Emotional Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How long does it take to do quake city?
⏳ Allow ample time
Set aside at least an hour to read displays and watch videos. Rushing misses the impact.
🤝 Chat with staff
Local staff offer personal insights and can share fascinating stories about the city.
Kind forum, critique my itinerary.
Free entry to Quake City this weekend
😢 Be prepared for emotion
The personal stories and videos are moving; it's a deeply emotional experience.
🧸 Interactive fun
Great hands-on activities for kids, like the Lego table and bike power generator.
Question to people not here pre-quake
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Set aside at least an hour to read displays and watch videos. Rushing misses the impact.
🤝 Chat with staff
Local staff offer personal insights and can share fascinating stories about the city.
😢 Be prepared for emotion
The personal stories and videos are moving; it's a deeply emotional experience.
🧸 Interactive fun
Great hands-on activities for kids, like the Lego table and bike power generator.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Quake City for its well-organized, informative, and deeply moving portrayal of the Christchurch earthquakes. The personal stories and interactive exhibits are highlights, offering a profound understanding of the city's resilience and recovery. While the emotional content can be intense, the overall experience is considered essential for appreciating Christchurch's history.
"Well organised display and interesting fact present of the earthquakes in Christchurch that change the face of the city!
The staff at the entrance desk was super friendly and very lovely to chat to as he is a local Christchurch resident.
It was super interesting that the information printed on wooden board material used as a display.
The video of survival stories is very sad and actually last about one hour and a half for the first part. Then there is a follow up after 10 years stories video just before the exist of the gallery.
I love the interactive part of the gallery like the bike-power-output, Lego building table, and earthquake measuring plate!
A little gift selections you can buy at the end of the visit as well."
Penny Gaffney
"A must go to, too appreciate the lovely kindness unity and strength of the NZ people. Very emotional excellent videos and explanation on earthquake liquefaction and architectural brillance to counteract nature. A few hands on and jump on things for kids. Friendly informative staff, ask them about the clocks"
life
"Events of this day has left a significant impression on community of Christchurch. This museum shows how the event that day, had brought the community together and how Christchurch has grown since then. Personal stories are shared. While nothing compares to actually living through such an event, Quake City does portray this history with care and compassion. Worth a visit if you don't understand much about earthquakes, or wish to learn more about events that day."
B. F. G.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quake City is centrally located in Christchurch, making it easily accessible. Many visitors walk from the city center. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby. If driving, check for local parking availability as it can be limited in the downtown area.
Yes, Quake City is designed to be accessible for visitors with mobility needs. The exhibits are generally spread out on one level, and pathways are clear. It's always a good idea to confirm any specific accessibility requirements with the venue directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Quake City typically operates during standard daytime hours, often from around 10 AM to 5 PM. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially around public holidays.
Admission fees are generally reasonable, with options for adults and sometimes concessions. Check the Quake City website for current pricing. Many visitors find the experience well worth the entry fee.
While you can often purchase tickets at the door, buying in advance online can sometimes save time, especially during peak periods. This also guarantees your entry.
There isn't a strict time limit, but visitors typically spend around 40-50 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits and watching the videos. Some personal stories can be quite lengthy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Quake City focuses on the personal stories, impact, and rebuilding efforts following the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes. It aims to educate visitors about the event and the resilience of Christchurch.
Yes, Quake City features several interactive exhibits, including a Lego building table, a bike-powered generator, and displays demonstrating earthquake phenomena like liquefaction. These are popular with all ages.
The exhibition includes moving video interviews with survivors, sharing their experiences during and after the earthquakes, as well as follow-up stories about their lives ten years later.
While there are interactive elements that children can enjoy, the core content, particularly the personal stories and videos, can be emotionally intense. It's best suited for older children and teenagers who can grasp the historical significance.
The exhibition highlights the community's unity, strength, and the innovative architectural and urban planning efforts that have shaped Christchurch's recovery and growth since the earthquakes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Quake City itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, being located in the city center, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries nearby offering a wide range of dining choices.
Generally, it's best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the exhibition. Check the venue's specific policy, but most attractions prefer visitors not to eat or drink inside the exhibit areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some areas might allow personal photos, it's crucial to check for signage or ask staff. Flash photography is often prohibited to protect exhibits and avoid disturbing other visitors, especially during video screenings.
The interactive exhibits, like the Lego building table or the earthquake simulator, can make for engaging photos. The displays showcasing the city's transformation also offer visual interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a valuable opportunity to teach children about natural disasters, community resilience, and the importance of preparedness. The displays on liquefaction and architectural innovation can also spark curiosity about science and engineering. The staff are generally friendly and can help tailor the experience for younger audiences.
🤔 Budget Travelers
As Quake City is centrally located, it can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring Christchurch on foot, saving on transportation costs. There are also numerous affordable dining options nearby, allowing visitors to manage their food expenses effectively. The gift shop offers souvenirs, but browsing is free, and the primary value lies in the educational experience itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquakes
Quake City serves as a vital educational resource, offering a compassionate and informative portrayal of these events. It goes beyond just the scientific aspects, delving into the human impact. Through personal stories, survivors share their harrowing experiences, their struggles, and their remarkable journeys of recovery. These narratives are often presented through video interviews and written accounts, providing a deeply personal connection for visitors. The exhibition also emphasizes the resilience and unity of the Christchurch community, showcasing how people came together to support each other and begin the monumental task of rebuilding their city.
The rebuilding of Christchurch is a central theme, illustrating the innovative architectural solutions, urban planning strategies, and community-driven initiatives that have shaped the city's modern landscape. Visitors can learn about the challenges and triumphs of this process, gaining an appreciation for the city's transformation. The interactive elements, such as the Lego building station and the bike-powered generator, offer a more lighthearted yet educational way to engage with concepts related to engineering and energy, making the complex subject matter more accessible to a wider audience.
The Human Element: Stories of Resilience
Beyond the immediate aftermath, Quake City also explores the long-term impact and recovery. The 'after 10 years' stories provide a crucial perspective on how individuals and the community have continued to heal and adapt. This focus on ongoing resilience highlights the enduring spirit of Christchurch. The exhibition aims to foster empathy and understanding, encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of community support and collective strength in times of crisis.
This emphasis on the human element is what sets Quake City apart. It’s not just about the science of earthquakes; it’s about the people who lived through them. The friendly and informative staff, many of whom are local residents with personal connections to the earthquakes, further enhance the visitor experience by sharing their own insights and answering questions with genuine warmth.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit