Quake City, Christchurch (must see)

The 2011 Christchurch earthquake was a 6.3 magnitude quake. It is thought to have been an aftershock of the September 2010 Canterbury quake. It was smaller than the September earthquake but its epicenter was closer to the center of the city and closer to ground level. Hundreds of people died any many more were injured.

The treasures (taongas) on display at Quake City help to tell the stories of the Canterbury earthquakes. Quake City is a special exhibit of the Canterbury Museum. The exhibit was created in response to a high public interest in learning of the earthquake experiences of 2010-2011 in Christchurch.

In the exhibit visitors may learn something of the science of the earthquakes. A hands-on interactive exhibit tells the story of liquefaction: when the ground literally liquefies from the shaking, rising up to bury streets and buildings.

There are objects salvaged from the ruins, like the broken spire of Christchurch Cathedral, a bell from the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and clocks from the obliterated railway station.

Quake City also records the acts of the heroic responders of the emergency services and the thousands of ordinary citizens who joined rescue efforts.

The Exhibit exemplifies the Museum's role as a guardian (kaitiaki) of the history and treasures of the region of Canterbury.