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| The Mall in Earthquake City Christchurch |
Before we where going to Christchurch we planned our route, and we decided to start from bottom island just because we wanted to end our trip in Auckland and spend some time with our friends there. It was easy to get a car in Christchurch and later return it in Auckland and travelling by car was so much easier than choosing public transport (that is not developed in New Zealand), we didn't consider taking tour offers because they often don't offer or go to places what we had in mind and they take our freedom as well, and hitch-hiking in general is big waste of time in such beautiful country as New Zealand. That is what we think and driving our own car was one of the main key things that made our trip as it was and good that we figured this out before we arrived in New Zealand.
So we got our car and first thing what we wanted to see was this famous Chistchurch Container Mall that is located in city centre.
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Address: Re:START Mall
128 Cashel St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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Why it is so unique you may ask and that was also our question to locals. We knew that Christchurch it is an earthquake city, but we didn't know that it had over 11 000 earthquakes since September 2010 and because of this fact you can see damage all over Christchurch! Abandoned buildings everywhere makes you feel like you would be located in some kind of ghost town. Wide streets are empty, there are no cars on them and in many places not even a building for a whole block. That was weird. When we visited the container mall we saw restricted areas all around the mall. There where big cranes who was taking down large buildings, and big trucks where taking out debris from them. The feeling was like no other travel experiences. We generally live in earthquake and storm free zone and here it is totally opposite. It was amazing to see lots of locals that don't want to leave their home city and they fight back by rebuilding the city. At the same time it is sad to know that there is this famous Christchurch cathedral just few blocks away from container mall that has to be demolished because of it's condition.
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| Christchurch Earthquake Zone |
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| Closed Chistchurch City Centre |
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| Big trucks taking out debris from Christchurch NZ |
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All large buildings in Christchurch must be demolished
(Located in restricted area)
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| On the way to Christchurch city centre |
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| Demolishing crew taking down buildings in city centre |
An then there is the container mall (Re:STARTMALL) that is located just there!! See previous picture and then turn around and you will see this...
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| Colourful and Good Looking Container Mall |
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| Container Mall (Bank in a container) |
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| Re:START Mall |
The other thing what every one must keep in mind that public transport in the city during the time when we where there was a big mess. All the normal routes that where going through the centre where going around and it was quite hard to move around without a car. And yes if you are travelling by car it will save you a lot of time! A lot! And time is very important during our holidays and I believe it is important for you as well.
When we did our walking around the city it was evening already and we had get some food and sleep. If you want to get the best out of your road trip and save some money we strongly suggest to try to meet locals and maybe even stay on their couch! We are using this opportunity for a long time and experiences that we have so far are awesome. Using web site www.couchsurfing.org you can meet locals, drink a coffee, beer or just hang out while you are walking around the city. Most of the time we arrange our stay for a night or more with locals week in advance and that is great experience for them and the same for us. We share stories about travelling and the location where we are and where we would like to go. We love it and in Christchurch two of us where staying in couchsurfing, but Martin decided to stay in Jailhouse Accommodation BackpackerHostel where he had awesome jail experience!
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JailHouse Accomodation, Christchurch,
New Zealand |
There are few things you should know about this place when you go there:
- This is probably the safest place in Christchurch when there is another earthquake
- Hostel has great rooms with thick walls so you don't have to worry about that guy who is snoring next doors :)
- There are heavy metal doors that will keep you safe where ever you go
- Because you have all these extras mentioned above you wont have a Wifi signal in your room
In general it is great place where to stay if you are travelling through Christchurch! :)
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