Christchurch Cathedral

*The Christchurch Cathedral was greatly damaged in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Feb 2011.

The Christchurch Cathedral built in the second half of the 19th century is located in the heart of the City. It is the cathedral seat of the Bishop of Christchurch. This fine example of English Victorian Gothic church architecture is the best-known and most visited church building in New Zealand.

Initial plans called for wooden construction, but plans were changed with the discovery of a source of good quality masonry stone. The timber in the roof came from matai (black pine) and totara trees on Banks Peninsula. The nave is about 100ft long, and the circular stone staircase to the tower has 133 steps.

The spire that once commanded the Christchurch skyline was completely destroyed in Feb 2011. It had been previously damaged three times in three different earthquakes, a wooden frame covered by copper sheeting replaced the stonework.