Cathedral Square, Christchurch (2024) - Images, Timings

Cathedral Square, Christchurch Overview

Cathedral Square is located in the centre of Christchurch in New Zealand. Locally recognized as “The Square”, the attraction is famous for Christchurch Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral. Two main streets of the city, Worcester Street and Colombo Street, theoretically go through the centre of the square. But, in reality, detours have been constructed so that the streets run around the yard. Some parts of these roads have also been blocked, but foot traffic is very much welcome.

Cathedral Square was affected to a great extent by an earthquake in 2011. The attraction has changed a lot ever since the natural calamity occurred. While some structures have been restored, many buildings at Cathedral Square are not deemed safe to enter.
Although the attraction manages to maintain its ambience like before in some areas, most of it needs immediate attention. A couple of new monuments have also been built at the square, but mostly, it is in ruins. Hence, visiting this attraction is better left at the tourist’s discretion.

Things to See and Do

Statues and Art Installations- Cathedral Square is a bustling attraction in Christchurch that attracts tourists in a considerable number each year. At the Square, one can visit the Cathedral and explore it from the inside at a small entry fee. At the centre of Cathedral Square, there’s a statue of the founder of Christchurch, John Robert Godley and nearby, is the latest work of art, a sculpture with patterns of 42 different leaves of native plants found in the region.

This sculpture was built by Neil Dawson, a renowned artist from New Zealand. Some of the other attractions that tourists can explore at the square are Regent Theatre, Citizen’s War Memorial, Old Government Building, Press Building etc.

Food and Beverage kiosks- Cathedral Square is also famous for a variety of local food and beverages. Several food kiosks, food trucks, cafes and restaurants can be easily found at and around Cathedral Square. Tourists can try the local food of Christchurch and a range of cuisines that come from other parts of the World.

The street food market is also worth a try as the food is delicious and affordably priced. The place is also famous for a variety of drinks that are served at some of the famous restaurants, pubs and lounges like The Square Restaurant and Bar, The Last Word, The Cosmopolitan and Micky Finns Irish Pub.

Street Shopping- Other than food and sightseeing, tourists can also go shopping at the market at Cathedral Square. The market is open every day and one can get some great local stuff like garments made of possum fur, memorabilia, artwork, home décor items, jewellery, accessories etc.

There are several retail stores and shopping malls at the square too where one can find the latest designs and products. Some of the famous places for shopping at Cathedral Square are Westfield Riccarton, The Palms Shopping Centre, Cashel Street, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Northlands Shopping Centre, South City Mall, The Tannery and the Merivale Mall.

Best Time to Visit

Christchurch has a temperate climate. So, about half of the year is warm while the remaining half is cold. Precipitation is low most of the year. Therefore, most months are suitable to visit the attraction.

Tourists may, however, choose between the warm and the cold months. December through February are considered the hottest months of the year. The temperature ranges between a maximum of 24ᵒC and a minimum of 10.5ᵒC.

The month of March also has a similar range. April onwards, till September, the temperature starts dropping in Christchurch (averages between 17ᵒC and 6ᵒC). Precipitation is highest between March and August, but it rains all through the day, so carrying rain gear is necessary.

Also, March, June and July are the months when tourism is at its peak and the rates, especially the hotel rates rise incredibly high.

How To Reach Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square is located in the centre of Christchurch, New Zealand. The roadways are well-connected, so public transport, as well as self-driven vehicles can be utilized to access the attraction. Precisely, airport buses, shuttles and cabs are most preferred by those who want to travel to or away from Cathedral Square.
Tourists flying to Christchurch can also take a taxi ride from the airport which is located 10.7 kilometres away. This is the shortest route and it goes through Durey Road – Memorial Ave/ towards City Centre – Fendalton Road – Harper Ave – Bealey Ave – Cambridge Terrace – Hereford Street – Colombo Street. Cathedral Square is located about 70 metres ahead.
The nearest railway station is the Christchurch Station, located on Troup Drive, about 4 kilometres away from Cathedral Square. From the railway station, one needs to depart Troup Drive and head towards Tower Junction. From there, they need to get on to Clarence Street and then follow the route – Foster Street – Blenheim Road – Moorhouse Ave – Montreal Street/ Towards City Centre – Hereford Street – Colombo Street.