The city I experienced as a tourist in 2009/2010 is vastly different from the Christchurch that exists today. The old Christchurch was beautiful and Victorian, and a wee bit stuffy. The city today is more intriguing because it’s anyone and everyone’s city. While many urban centres are oversaturated, Christchurch is still in need of fresh ideas and residents are taking notice. New businesses are constantly sprouting up and creative ideas are being implemented. As a new resident, the sense of opportunity is unmistakable.
In an effort to highlight local entrepreneurs, events, worthy causes, art installations, etc., I’m kicking off a series called Christchurch Creatives.
As we near the end of January, many of us are in the process of implementing healthy habits. Green Roots Organics is a local gem that has helped me with my resolutions. The company is helmed by Kate, who makes and distributes cold press juices, superfood smoothies and açai bowls. I’ve yet to find another place in town that uses this Brazilian superfood berry. Available at the Christchurch Farmers Market every Saturday, açai bowls are a wonderful (not to mention, delicious) way to ingest some much-needed nutrients. I went through a bit of a phase in Toronto where I made açai bowls for breakfast almost every day and couldn’t believe that Christchurch hadn’t caught onto the fad.
Needless to say, Green Roots fills the void and I’ll be back every Saturday for my fix.
As you may know, I recently relocated to Christchurch, New Zealand and have been exploring the various neighbourhoods that comprise the garden city. In many ways, Christchurch is almost unrecognizable from its prior self. With whole blocks completely wiped out by the earthquakes, the city is disorientating even for those who’ve spent their whole lives here. While there’s lots to miss about the old Christchurch, the ongoing revitalization continues to challenge the city’s former ecosystem. The contrasts between old and new, pre and post-earthquake are what compelled Nick and I to move back. And we feel unusually privileged to be here; to witness and influence this city in transition.
New jobs are constantly being created as projects unfold, bringing diverse talent into what was previously one of New Zealand’s more homogenous populations.
One of my first priorities upon arriving in Christchurch was to purchase a bicycle. With new cycleways being added on the regular, I thought what better way to get around and experience the city! Fortunately, I discovered Velo-Ideale, a small workshop selling beautifully simple bicycles. I like the owner’s emphasis on a relaxed and comfortable style of riding.
Nick has taken me on several tours of downtown Christchurch. I found the 185 empty white chairs piece, which is a memorial dedicated to the 185 people who lost their lives on February 22nd, 2011, incredibly powerful. Moments like these act as reminders of what was lost, but you’ll also notice just how alive Christchurch is at present and why it’s such a valuable place to visit.
The beautiful Anglican cathedral was severely damaged by the February 22nd, 2011 earthquake and now the congregation worships at the cardboard cathedral, a transitional space. The cardboard cathedral is host to many local events, just last week we attended a Korean festival.
I’ve been seeing these trams everywhere and they remind me of Toronto’s streetcars. I initially referred to them as streetcars and instantly gave myself away as a non-local. I obviously want to have a ride, but apparently they’re quite expensive. I’m assuming they’re used for tourism purposes only rather than a viable way of getting around (like in Toronto).
New Regent Street is my favourite street in Christchurch, those pastel facades are just too pretty.
Of course, I’ve also been indulging in the delicious café scene. Christchurch has so much fresh produce and the coffee culture is unbeatable. Foodie culture has multiplied in recent months, with more restaurants, cafés and bars than imaginable. My favourites so far are Hello Sunday, The Caffeine Laboratory and Supreme Supreme. I’m also a huge fan of Made Espresso Bar‘s interior and the coffee at C1 Espresso, which has done amazing things for the central city.
I was craving a Montreal-style bagel and The Stolen Bagel didn’t disappoint!
Lyttelton is a vibrant port town on the north shore of the Lyttelton Harbour. It is all too easy to spend an afternoon exploring the old storefronts and watching the ships.
New Brighton is a beautiful coastal suburb, east of central Chirstchurch.
The Christchurch Farmer’s Market is a sight to behold. Held every Saturday morning, vendors sell fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and locals and visitors gather by the river to relax and enjoy their breakfast.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but Christchurch is Nick’s hometown. Last week we visited his family home, which was significantly damaged by the series of earthquakes. To say that I admire his resilience and foresight is an understatement. He loved growing up in Christchurch and has always spoken of it fondly. Thankfully his knowledge and expertise working as an transportation planner in Toronto will be a huge asset to the Christchurch City Council.
I attended Cup and Show Week thanks to some lovely friends, Andrew, Beth and Mariah! I’ll take any excuse to dress up and wear a fascinator!
From the moment I stepped off the subway at Osgoode Station, leisurely rolling my suitcase across the streetcar tracks, I knew I’d love living in Toronto. It was a place I had visited as a child, and then again in my late adolescent years. When I graduated university, I applied to every editorial internship I could find in Toronto because “if I could make it in Toronto, I could make it anywhere,” or so was my mantra. Over the past two and a half years, Toronto has continued to surprise and enchant me. City life is less overwhelming than when I first arrived, but no less impressive. And it is with both excitement and apprehension that I say goodbye to this wonderful city.
Nick has accepted a job as a policy planner in his hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. Yes, that Christchurch. The one that was ravaged by two earthquakes, devastating the downtown core, claiming the lives of 185 people, and displacing thousands more from their homes and jobs. Even thinking about the move overseas has been emotional, and we haven’t started packing up our apartment. Not only is Christchurch so far from home, it will differ from what I’ve known in countless ways. Having lived and studied in Auckland, all of my friends are there. So yes, I’ll be closer to them, but still so far.
I recall my first visit to the Garden City in 2009, pre-earthquake. Almost immediately, I remarked how I could see myself living here, even settling down in this stunning city surrounded by ocean and mountains. Nick has often spoken about how he’d like to return, to help rebuild his parents’ home; a beautiful Victorian that will soon be torn down. His new job will allow him to influence Christchurch’s rebirth through public transport and accessibility. Having the foresight to envision a lively, vibrant community, Christchurch is projected to be a cycling city where people gather in the town centre. The New York Times even published an article about the many reasons to visit Christchurch, post-quake. I have no doubt that Christchurch will rise above the rubble like many great cities struck before it. Just look at San Francisco and New Orleans, both experienced revitalization and surges in tourism following devastating natural disasters.
There have been many incredible initiatives taking place in Christchurch, demonstrating the compassion and strength of its residents. In a world of war and turmoil, it’s important to acknowledge the small victories of a city’s rebirth and the humanity of its people. It invigorates my spirit to know that in times of need, communities step up in order to help one another heal and get back on their feet.
prairie girl musings 
