Quake City , Christchurch Overview

Quake City is a museum in Christchurch, New Zealand, that tells stories of the Canterbury earthquakes through the medium of photography and videography. It primarily focuses on the events and aftermath of the September 2010 and February 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, emphasizing the combined efforts of the rescue teams, volunteers, emergency services and the Canterbury communities.

Quake City is also a platform for those interested in learning about earthquakes and the science and phenomenon of Liquefaction: when soil loses its substantial strength and breaks, causing stress conditions such as earthquakes. This museum is one attraction that showcases an essential part of New Zealand history, making it a must-go for all tourists.

History of Canterbury Earthquakes

The entire concept of the Quake City museum was created in remembrance of two very important natural disasters in the history of Christchurch. Two subsequent earthquakes- one on the 4th of September 2010 and one on the 22nd of February 2011, in Christchurch. The earthquake on 22nd of February 2011 was a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred at 12:51 pm at Lyttelton which is 10 kilometres Southeast of Christchurch’s central business district. The earthquake was said to have killed around 185 people, leaving a thousand injured.

Prior to that, a more devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake had occurred on the 4th of September 2010 at 4:30 AM at the shallow fault line near Christchurch. This earthquake caused destruction of many buildings especially heritage buildings such as Provincial Council Chambers, Anglican Christchurch Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and Lyttelton's Timeball’s Station. On 15th February, the Quake City museum was opened followed by the Oi Manawa Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial on 22nd February 2017. Since then, Quake City has been educating New Zealanders as well as people from all over the world about Canterbury Earthquakes.

Quake City Exhibit

The Quake City museum includes several objects that were a part of the Canterbury earthquakes such as the spire of the Christchurch Cathedral, the rose window and the clocks from the former railway station which have now been demolished.
There is a rebuilding section in this museum which gives the visitors an account of the recovery projects in the city and their status.
A major part of the exhibit is the films featuring the real-life experiences of those who survived the earthquakes as well as those who put in the efforts to help others such as the Student Volunteer Army, the Farmy Army, the construction workers and the Canterbury communities.

Timings

Monday- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The museum is open on all business days
The museum is closed on Christmas Day

Tickets and Prices

Adult- NZD 20
Child (under the age of 15 accompanied by an adult)- Free
Child (under the age of 15 without an adult)- NZD 8
Seniors- NZD 16
Students- NZD 16

How To Reach Quake City

The Quake City museum is located on 299 Durham Street North Central City in Christchurch, Canterbury in New Zealand. It is placed quite in the centre of the city. The nearest airport to Quake City is Christchurch Airport (CHC) which is around 10 kilometres (around 17 minutes) away from Quake City.
Cabs, taxis and car rentals are easily available at the airport. Shuttles also run from Christchurch Airport to Central City and visitors can enquire online or at the airport.
Timaru Airport (TIU) is the second closest which is around 138 kilometres away from Christchurch and around 157 kilometres away from Quake City.
It would take around 2 hours from the airport and visitors can take a cab, taxi or rent a car till Christchurch or Quake City.