Welcome to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city with 400,000 residents. Ōtautahi (Māori name) was first settled in 1250 and became a city 606 years later, making it New Zealand’s oldest. Christchurch was a thriving community until several earthquakes struck from September, 2010 through January, 2012. The largest on February 22, 2011 measured 6.3. Over 1,500 buildings were destroyed. But the residents proved their motto, “Strong in Hope for the Future.” They have renovated many of their historic buildings, constructed replacements and are proud to show you the results aboard the inner-city tramway system.
