CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL, Christchurch Overview

Cardboard Cathedral, also known as the transitional Cathedral, is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is one of the most famous cathedrals in New Zealand, known for its spectacular architecture. Cardboard Cathedral was designed by Shigeru Ban of Japan and was opened in 2013 as the replacement for Christchurch Cathedral after the 2011 earthquake.

Cardboard Cathedral is a beautiful representation of the eco-friendly materials used to construct it. The Cathedral is believed to symbolise moving on after the massive disaster. The Cathedral is one of the most significant Paper Tube structures amongst Ban's creations and is a beautiful site with great history and architectural importance. It is a must-visit place while in Christchurch.

History

Cardboard Cathedral was a design of the great Japanese disaster architect Shigeru Ban, invited by Rev. Cuaig Dixon who was the cathedral marketing and Development Manager at that time.

The cathedral was a replacement project of the Christchurch Cathedral which was destroyed during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Ban collaborated with Christchurch architecture firm- Warren and Mahoney to construct this masterpiece.

Architecture

The Cardboard Cathedral is one of a kind. Made from recyclable eco-friendly material, this Cathedral stands still at Christchurch. The Cathedral is a huge project designed by Japanese disaster architect Shigeru Ban in collaboration with Christchurch architecture firm - Warren and Mahoney.

The cathedral is made up of elements like - Wood, Polycarbonate and Shigeru Ban's signature cardboard tubes. It measures to be 21 metres high, above the altar. Ban planned and designed this cathedral in a very sustainable manner.

Timings

The transitional cathedral is open for all on all days of the week
Open daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
On Sundays, the Cathedral opens up for Christian meditation at 7:15 AM followed by Holy Communion at 8:00 AM, Choral Eucharist at 10:00 AM and Choral Evensong at 5:00 PM
On weekdays, the Cathedral follows a routine i.e. morning prayer at 8:30 a.m., Holy Communion at 12:05 PM followed by Choral Evensong at 5:30 PM

Things to Do

When in Christchurch, along with the Cardboard Cathedral one can definitely visit the Cathedral Grammar School, which is one of the longest-lasting private primary school in New Zealand. Cathedral has other nearby attractions as well, that can be visited.

Canterbury Museum- This Museum established in 1867, is located at a distance of hardly 1.5 km from the Cardboard Cathedral. The Museum is a great display of New Zealand display of New Zealand's early life and culture. It also showcases the Maori artefacts, clothing and accessories etc. from ancient ages.
Avon River - Avon river is a beautiful natural establishment that runs through the centre of the city and joins an estuary towards its end. The river is located at a distance of 4 km from the Cathedral and is easily approachable within a time frame of 10 to 15 minutes./
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is 15 to 20 minutes drive from Cardboard Cathedral and is worth a visit. This exotic wildlife reserve is a home for the native wildlife of New Zealand. Full of kiwi establishments, this reserve is a unique place to explore the Kiwi and Maori life. Animals like Deer, Wallabies, black and white Ruffed Lemurs, Miniature Horses etc. can be seen here.