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Cardboard Cathedral

Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch

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Cardboard Cathedral

See all things to do
See all things to do
Cardboard Cathedral
4.5
2,251
#24 of 227 things to do in Christchurch
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
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768 within 5 kms
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1,164
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483
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Attractions
130 within 5 kms
City New Life Church
44 mReligious Sites
185 Empty White Chairs - Earthquake Memorial
1,833
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Bridge of Remembrance
334
0.2 kmBridges • Monuments & Statues
Cashel Street
476
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Margaret Mahy Family Playground
1,031
0.4 kmPlaygrounds
New Regent Street
537
0.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Turanga
58
0.6 kmLibraries
Christchurch Cathedral
990
0.5 kmChurches & Cathedrals
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9
0.4 kmParks
High Street
13
0.4 kmHistoric Walking Areas
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Popular mentions
4.5
2,251 reviews
Excellent
1,120
Very good
794
Average
269
Poor
38
Terrible
30
kokoko
New Zealand73 contributions
Worth the walk
May 2021 • Couples
I love a good bit of design and this was very cool. The ceiling looked epic. As did the “stained glass” windows. I was a bit disappointed though to find the cardboard was merely cosmetic. The guides and other staff were wonderfully friendly and very welcoming. Nice little stall with unique gifts.
Written 16 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DADD23
Wellington, New Zealand106 contributions
Light and well fit for purpose.
Apr 2021
My wife and I visited the Cathedral just on 'closing time'. The attendant, however, was only too pleased to stay a while longer (and to admit another group after us) and this gave a very good impression before even going fully inside. A 'traditionalist' might not be entirely comfortable with the comparatively stark nature of the building, but it is light, functional and very much 'fit for purpose'. It is also a flexible space, as we went past one evening and saw that the seats had been moved to make space for some form of music practice. Well worth a visit, if for no other reason than to commend the church authorities for having the courage to establish this building.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mumma&Co
Timaru, New Zealand3,278 contributions
Humbling
Apr 2021 • Family
Just a shadow of its former self and actually sad to see. Not so attractive with all the safety fencing either.
Written 2 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Strickes
Rotorua District, New Zealand1,579 contributions
Well worth a look
Nov 2020 • Couples
We only saw the cathedral from the outside, but is well worth a look.

In central Christchurch it is an easy walk.

Well constructed and well kept
Written 19 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Naina-Damani
London, UK1,032 contributions
IMPRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE.
Feb 2020
Cardboard Cathedral looked amazing from outside and it is an impressive architecture building which is very unique. It is the worlds only cathedral made substantially of cardboard.
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia7,514 contributions
"Disaster architect" designs transitional cathedral
Dec 2020
When the massive earthquake struck Christchurch on 22 Nov. 2011, it claimed 185 victims and toppled the iconic Victorian Gothic cathedral. But the resourceful Kiwis responded by commissioning Japanese "disaster architect" Shigeru Ban to build a "transitional cathedral" made mainly of cardboard. Shigeru Ban worked pro bono and now the "cardboard cathedral" has been a major tourist attraction ever since it opened in 2013. It's several blocks from the old cathedral, which is being rebuilt. How long will the "cardboard cathedral" last? Maybe forever.
Written 3 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
raineykl
8 contributions
interesting
Nov 2020
this was further out than i expected. building was also smaller than it looks on television. but worht a visit.
Written 7 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JennyForbes
29 contributions
Loved our visit
Oct 2020
We loved our visit to the Cardboard Cathedral and the story of how it came about. Very helpful tour guide
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Juliea1928
Tauranga, New Zealand65 contributions
Be Proud
Sep 2020
I always feel very proud of the Christchurch people for the Cardboard cathedral. After all the devastation of the quake it was no sooner over and this lovey church was created showing me the resilience and pride of the people . Love it so much !
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard Kensington
Auckland, New Zealand660 contributions
Interesting
Sep 2020 • Couples
A permanent feature of the Christchurch Landscape
Maybe before 2050 the cathedral will restored and this building can move to its next home
We arrived - within opening hours - but closed
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cardboard Cathedral
We recommend booking Cardboard Cathedral tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Cardboard Cathedral tours on Tripadvisor
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