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Wortley built the wooden backpack she used while retracing Alexandra David-Néel’s journey from a chair she found on the street in London.
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All New Zealand Christchurch

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Christchurch

10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand

Updated February 27, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Christchurch

“Diminish and Ascend.”

Christchurch, New Zealand

'Diminish and Ascend'

This aluminum “stairway to heaven” has impaled at least a couple of birds.
Fred and Myrtle’s famous Shell Lounge

Christchurch, New Zealand

Fred and Myrtle's Paua Shell House

A New Zealand couple's shell-adorned home living room, now on display at the Canterbury Museum.
Dance-O-Mat machine

Christchurch, New Zealand

Dance-O-Mat

A coin-operated washing machine turned jukebox, complete with an outdoor dance floor.
Lunch arrives via pneumatic tube here.

Christchurch, New Zealand

C1 Espresso

Get your meal delivered via pneumatic at this former post office.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Flora and Otto

A mosaic armchair and ottoman built from china broken in the Christchurch earthquakes.
The Cardboard Cathedral in 2013

Christchurch, New Zealand

Cardboard Cathedral

This semi-permanent cathedral was built of cardboard, wood, and steel after Christchurch's 2011 earthquake.
Permanently Closed

Christchurch, New Zealand

Bunsen

Enjoy coffee and cake while viewing antique medical equipment at this unique cafe.
Permanently Closed
After the earthquake.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch Basilica

The ruins of New Zealand's largest classical-style church.
See All 10 Things To Do in Christchurch

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Christchurch

Lunch arrives via pneumatic tube here.

Christchurch, New Zealand

C1 Espresso

Get your meal delivered via pneumatic at this former post office.
Permanently Closed

Christchurch, New Zealand

Bunsen

Enjoy coffee and cake while viewing antique medical equipment at this unique cafe.
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Explore Christchurch, New Zealand

A
10
Earthquakes 4
Disasters 2
Ruins 2
Churches 2
Art 2

Christchurch Leaderboard

Places Added

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    2
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    1
  3. Stephen Schmalhofer
    1
  4. Tony Dunnell
    1
  5. feuerkatze78
    1
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    4
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    3
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    3
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    2
  5. linkogecko
    2
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Places Visited

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    9
  2. Foul Ole Ron
    9
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    8
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    8
  5. pouakaia
    7
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Recent Christchurch Activity

  • skylove120

    has been to 185 Chairs

    12 days ago
  • skylove120

    has been to Cardboard Cathedral

    12 days ago
  • skylove120

    has been to Re:START Mall

    12 days ago
  • gardnstate

    wants to go to Flora and Otto

    11 days ago
  • canusa1914

    has been to 'Diminish and Ascend'

    4 days ago

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