Quake City
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Quake City

4.5
·2k reviews·Christchurch, New Zealand

Experience the resilience of Christchurch through personal stories and interactive exhibits detailing the 2010-2011 earthquakes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflective time

CrowdLow
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Quake City

Quake City

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflective time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the resilience of Christchurch through personal stories and interactive exhibits detailing the 2010-2011 earthquakes.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A must-go to appreciate the kindness, unity, and strength of the NZ people."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow ample time

Set aside at least an hour to read displays and watch videos. Rushing misses the impact.

🤝 Chat with staff

Local staff offer personal insights and can share fascinating stories about the city.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,406 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Survival Story Videos

Survival Story Videos

Heartfelt accounts of resilience and hope from those who lived through the earthquakes.

Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Engage with hands-on displays demonstrating earthquake science and city rebuilding efforts.

Liquefaction & Architecture

Liquefaction & Architecture

Understand the science behind liquefaction and the innovative architectural solutions post-quake.

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Planning Your Visit

Allocate Your Time Wisely

Plan for at least an hour to fully absorb the exhibits and personal stories. Some videos are quite long, and interactive elements can easily extend your visit. Don't rush this important historical recount.

Prepare for an Emotional Journey

Quake City shares deeply personal stories of survival and resilience. While interactive exhibits offer engagement, the video components can be very moving. Consider this when planning your visit, especially with younger children.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
More interactive fun for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

How long does it take to do quake city?

Never been and going to take my mum tomorrow, just wondering how long to put aside for it to plan our day. Can’t tell from looking at the website

⏳ Allow ample time

Set aside at least an hour to read displays and watch videos. Rushing misses the impact. Reddit

🤝 Chat with staff

Local staff offer personal insights and can share fascinating stories about the city. Reddit

reddit.com

Kind forum, critique my itinerary.

Hi all. Please give advise on our planned itinerary for late March, early April. We will be flying from Fiji (our first stop on our, 6 week total, adventure) so no jet lag and will have gotten used to driving on the left side of the road. We will be 64F and 74M. Not…

reddit.com

Free entry to Quake City this weekend

As someone who has been here since before the quakes, it looks boring as fuck, but might be good for someone keen, and the price is right.

😢 Be prepared for emotion

The personal stories and videos are moving; it's a deeply emotional experience. Reddit

🧸 Interactive fun

Great hands-on activities for kids, like the Lego table and bike power generator. Reddit

reddit.com

Question to people not here pre-quake

I wasn't living in Chch, let alone New Zealand at the time it happened. But even I remember learning about the quake on the news and hearing from my teachers about it. I was wondering how you all learned of the quake?

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow ample time

Set aside at least an hour to read displays and watch videos. Rushing misses the impact. Reddit

🤝 Chat with staff

Local staff offer personal insights and can share fascinating stories about the city. Reddit

😢 Be prepared for emotion

The personal stories and videos are moving; it's a deeply emotional experience. Reddit

🧸 Interactive fun

Great hands-on activities for kids, like the Lego table and bike power generator. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Quake City for its well-organized, informative, and deeply moving portrayal of the Christchurch earthquakes. The personal stories and interactive exhibits are highlights, offering a profound understanding of the city's resilience and recovery. While the emotional content can be intense, the overall experience is considered essential for appreciating Christchurch's history.

"Well organised display and interesting fact present of the earthquakes in Christchurch that change the face of the city!
The staff at the entrance desk was super friendly and very lovely to chat to as he is a local Christchurch resident.
It was super interesting that the information printed on wooden board material used as a display.
The video of survival stories is very sad and actually last about one hour and a half for the first part. Then there is a follow up after 10 years stories video just before the exist of the gallery.
I love the interactive part of the gallery like the bike-power-output, Lego building table, and earthquake measuring plate!
A little gift selections you can buy at the end of the visit as well."

Penny Gaffney

"A must go to, too appreciate the lovely kindness unity and strength of the NZ people. Very emotional excellent videos and explanation on earthquake liquefaction and architectural brillance to counteract nature. A few hands on and jump on things for kids. Friendly informative staff, ask them about the clocks"

life

"Events of this day has left a significant impression on community of Christchurch. This museum shows how the event that day, had brought the community together and how Christchurch has grown since then. Personal stories are shared. While nothing compares to actually living through such an event, Quake City does portray this history with care and compassion. Worth a visit if you don't understand much about earthquakes, or wish to learn more about events that day."

B. F. G.

What People Like

Moving personal stories
Informative exhibits
Interactive displays

What People Dislike

Emotionally intense content

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Quake City is centrally located in Christchurch, making it easily accessible. Many visitors walk from the city center. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby. If driving, check for local parking availability as it can be limited in the downtown area. Reddit

Yes, Quake City is designed to be accessible for visitors with mobility needs. The exhibits are generally spread out on one level, and pathways are clear. It's always a good idea to confirm any specific accessibility requirements with the venue directly.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Quake City typically operates during standard daytime hours, often from around 10 AM to 5 PM. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially around public holidays. Reddit

Admission fees are generally reasonable, with options for adults and sometimes concessions. Check the Quake City website for current pricing. Many visitors find the experience well worth the entry fee. Reddit

While you can often purchase tickets at the door, buying in advance online can sometimes save time, especially during peak periods. This also guarantees your entry. Reddit

There isn't a strict time limit, but visitors typically spend around 40-50 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits and watching the videos. Some personal stories can be quite lengthy. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Quake City focuses on the personal stories, impact, and rebuilding efforts following the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes. It aims to educate visitors about the event and the resilience of Christchurch. Reddit

Yes, Quake City features several interactive exhibits, including a Lego building table, a bike-powered generator, and displays demonstrating earthquake phenomena like liquefaction. These are popular with all ages. Reddit

The exhibition includes moving video interviews with survivors, sharing their experiences during and after the earthquakes, as well as follow-up stories about their lives ten years later. Reddit

While there are interactive elements that children can enjoy, the core content, particularly the personal stories and videos, can be emotionally intense. It's best suited for older children and teenagers who can grasp the historical significance. Reddit

The exhibition highlights the community's unity, strength, and the innovative architectural and urban planning efforts that have shaped Christchurch's recovery and growth since the earthquakes. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Quake City itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, being located in the city center, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries nearby offering a wide range of dining choices. Reddit

Generally, it's best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the exhibition. Check the venue's specific policy, but most attractions prefer visitors not to eat or drink inside the exhibit areas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. While some areas might allow personal photos, it's crucial to check for signage or ask staff. Flash photography is often prohibited to protect exhibits and avoid disturbing other visitors, especially during video screenings. Reddit

The interactive exhibits, like the Lego building table or the earthquake simulator, can make for engaging photos. The displays showcasing the city's transformation also offer visual interest. Reddit

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