Cardboard Cathedral
π Christchurch Central City, Canterbury
Transitional Cathedral built from cardboard after the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, in Latimer Square, central Christchurch. Guided tours run by knowledgeable volunteers. Cathedral choir services through the week. Cathedral shop on site. Pram access. Street parking nearby.
I visited this Cathedral 12 years ago not long after it was constructed following the tragedy of the 2011 earthquake. Its design and construction is testament to its resilience and its architectural style is unique with key components made from heavy duty cardboard columns. The volunteers who work inside the cathedral are very friendly and helpful. They have a wealth of knowledge about the building and the work of the church. The main Anglican Cathedral in Christchurch was heavily damaged in the earthquake but re-construction work is slowly progressing again. The cost of this work is high so public support is very important to achieve its completion in the 2030βs.
π Family Action Verdict
Volunteers are praised for sharing the building's story with real depth β described as having 'a wealth of knowledge about the building and the work of the church.' The space is calm and visually striking. Children who ask how the building was constructed tend to get thorough, enthusiastic answers from the guides on duty.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β2,079 Google reviews
Ian Blue
a month ago
βI visited this Cathedral 12 years ago not long after it was constructed following the tragedy of the 2011 earthquake. Its design and construction is testament to its resilience and its architectural style is unique with key components made from heavy duty cardboard columns. The volunteers who work inside the cathedral are very friendly and helpful. They have a wealth of knowledge about the building and the work of the church. The main Anglican Cathedral in Christchurch was heavily damaged in the earthquake but re-construction work is slowly progressing again. The cost of this work is high so public support is very important to achieve its completion in the 2030βs.β
Eileen S
5 months ago
βWe visited in early October , nice and unique church. There was a singing choir and service going on so we attended it. Made some donations , hope it goes to help in the rebuilding of the church building funds. Nice and interesting building structure.β
Maria Ngo
2 months ago
βFascinating worship space made of cardboard! Yes it does have a specially designed concrete floor made to move during earthquakes and other non cardboard materal but is predominantly cardboard which can be recycled. It is expected to last 50 years.β
James Cammell
a month ago
βAaaah wow !!! A must visit for all visiting Christchruch. To bump into a dear friend of my mother after so many years - I found myself to be quite emotional. Thank you Susan !β
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Transitional Cathedral was built rapidly after the 2011 earthquakes destroyed the original Cathedral in the Square. Heavy cardboard columns and a specially engineered moveable concrete floor form the main structure. Volunteers offer short guided tours covering design, construction, and earthquake engineering. Choir services run through the week and can be attended by visitors. The on-site shop supports restoration of the Cathedral in the Square β a five-minute walk away. A virtual tour is available online.
