Christchurch, Canterbury Earthquake 2010

The city of Christchurch is returning to normal after the Canterbury Earthquake.

If you are thinking of visiting Christchurch, please have a look at our listings for accommodation, attractions, tours and transport.

The images below were taken in the centre of Christchurch on the 16th September 2010 – as you can see, it's business as usual.

If you have plans to travel around the wider Canterbury region, you might like to have a look at our Canterbury accommodation, attractions, tours and transport listings.

The 2010 Canterbury Quake

The 2010 Canterbury earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter Scale and struck the South Island of New Zealand at 4:35 am on the 4th of September 2010. The epicentre of the Canterbury earthquake was near the town of Darfield, 40km to the west of Christchurch.

The earthquake was felt throughout the South Island and as far north as New Plymouth.

Most of the damage caused by the earthquake was to older, unreinforced buildings in Christchurch and the surrounding districts. Specific suburbs in Christchurch were affected more than others, including Kaiapoi, Bexley, Brooklands and Halswell. These areas were hit harder because of the land they are built on, which is susceptible to liquefaction.

Most new buildings suffered little damage because of modern building practices, which take earthquakes into account.

Several historic, notable landmarks in Christchurch were affected by the Canterbury earthquake, including the Hororata, Homebush and Ohinetahi Homesteads; Godley House on Banks Peninsula; the 1911 Anglican Church of St John in Hororata; the 1876 Timeball station in Lyttelton and The Famous Grouse in Lincoln (built in 1883).

Many other major landmarks in Christchurch have survived intact, such as the Canterbury Provincial Chambers, the Anglican Cathedral, and Christ's College. The iconic Christchurch Press building only had minor damage, as did the Christchurch Art Gallery and the International Antarctic Centre.

Tourism infrastructure in Canterbury and Christchurch is operating as usual, and an article in The Press notes that only one hotel and motel in Christchurch suffered serious damage from the earthquake.

With no loss of life during the earthquake, it's business as usual for Christchurch and Canterbury. If you have any concerns at all, check with the places you are likely to stay at and the transport operators such as rental car or motorhome companies.

"Nearly all accommodation, transport, activities and attractions in Christchurch and Canterbury are open for business and ready to look after visitors. The last thing they need is for people to cancel or change their travel plans." TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.

"Most operators are back to 'business as usual'."

Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ) Chief Executive Fergus Brown says the safety of travellers is the industry's priority. But large parts of the Canterbury region were not damaged by the earthquake, and services and infrastructure are operating normally. All holiday parks in the region are fully functional and able to host visitors.

Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ) Chief Executive Michael Baines says travellers should contact their accommodation provider or travel agent if they have concerns about planned travel to the region.

"Christchurch is definitely open for business and visitors will be able to find a bed." Mr Baines says.

Garrick Emms of Lodges of New Zealand says business is proceeding as normal in all except one of the region's lodges. "Visitors can be assured of warm hospitality and no interruption to normal service levels."