Christchurch Cultural Precinct - exploring our historic places

Right in the heart of Christchurch City, lies the Cultural Precinct offering a wide range of attractions and experiences within easy walking distance of Cathedral Square.  Perhaps the real gems are the stunning historic buildings and places within the Precinct that add charm and grace to the Garden City.  You can find out more about the Cultural Precinct itself by visiting its website.

With funding assistance from the Lion Foundation, the NZHPT has put together a map illustrating a self-guided walking tour around the registered historic places within the Cultural Precinct.  Explore these historic places in your own time - take a leisurely walk at a time to suit you.  

All of the buildings featured en route may be viewed from the outside, only some are open to the public.  Most places are free entry, but occasionally entrance fees may apply to exhibitions or special events being hosted within their walls.  You can download the brochure that will help you plan your route, or pick up copies from NZHPT's Southern Regional Office and from various sites around the Precinct.

Before you go, use the Register Online to find out more about the places on your route. 

The Register of historic places, historic areas, wahi tapu and wahi tapu areas

The Register identifies New Zealand's significant and valued historical and cultural heritage places.  It assists heritage to be protected and conserved.

Registration:

• is an information and advocacy tool – it is the established national means of identifying important heritage in a locality
• does not equal automatic protection
• does not directly create regulatory consequences or legal obligations on property owners
• can provide heritage funding opportunities
• does not directly create specific rights or control over property and
• can lead to heritage properties being considered for inclusion in district plan heritage schedules.

Anyone can nominate a place for consideration for registration.

find out more about the Register and registration