Āhea / When:

In Christ Church Cathedral - 16–22 February 2026, 9.30-10.30am, 11am-12pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm. SOLD OUT.

In The Crossing- the walkway over Colombo Street - 24 February to 22 March. 9am-6pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. No tickets required.

Ki Hea / Where:

In Christ Church Cathedral, 100 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City

In The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City

Te Utu / Cost: Free

Te Reanga / Ages:

In the Cathedral, 10+ due to access restrictions.

In The Crossing, no restrictions.

Tāima/ Time: 

In the Cathedral, please arrive 10 minutes before your booking time and allow an hour for your visit.

E Wātea Ana Ki / Accessibility:  

In the Cathedral, Visitors with significant mobility needs, who are in wheelchairs, or are unstable on their feet will not be able to attend. Please check further information for visitors to Christ Church Cathedral carefully before reserving your ticket. 

Step back in time and uncover the stories buried beneath the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

Cathedral Square Unearthed is a new exhibition that brings to life the city’s early history through objects uncovered during post-earthquake archaeological excavations. Timed to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake, this free event invites the community to reconnect with the people, places, and moments that shaped our city. 

Artefacts reveal everyday life in 19th-century Christchurch — from merchants’ wares and household treasures to hints of local beliefs, pastimes, and even a few secrets.

Being launched in Christ Church Cathedral from 16-22 February - these tickets are SOLD OUT - but people can go on the waitlist for tickets.

The exhibition will be remounted in The Crossing - the walkway over Colombo Street - from 24 February to 22 March. No tickets required.

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Cathedral Square Unearthed goes beyond traditional display cases. Enhanced with video projection, audio, and augmented reality in The Cathedral, the exhibition offers a journey through the city’s layers of history. You’ll meet the personalities of the past and gain a deeper appreciation of how their lives connect to the Christchurch of today. 

Presented by the Christchurch Archaeology Project — guardians of nearly half a million artefacts — the exhibition reflects their mission to preserve, share, and celebrate our archaeological heritage. It’s delivered with the support of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project and The Crossing, and with generous contributions from the local community. 

Further information for visitors to Christ Church Cathedral

Stabilisation of the Cathedral has been completed, allowing us to safely visit (the building is 34% NBS). There are, however, strict health and safety protocols, limiting access for those under 10 years old, and for those with significant mobility issues.

Access to the site requires climbing steps, navigating uneven floor surfaces, and standing for extended periods.  Therefore, it is unsuitable for visitors with additional mobility needs, who are in wheelchairs or are unstable on their feet.

Christ Church Cathedral is located in Cathedral Square, a short walking distance from public carparks, the bus interchange and free bike parking.  Accessible parking is available at the Lichfield Street carpark and the Hereford Street carpark.

There are toilets on-site. Access to these toilets requires going up one step. Accessible toilets are available off-site at Tūranga.

Visitors will be required to show their tickets for entry. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the time on your ticket. Because there is such high interest in this exhibition, if you are not on time, your ticket may be allocated to others.

All visitors must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Those wearing sandals or open-toed shoes will be refused entry for their own safety. Visitors are required to adhere to strict safety protocols while visiting Christ Church Cathedral. For this reason, everyone will receive a mandatory health and safety briefing upon arrival.

All visitors will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE; hard hats and high-visibility vests). We are happy for you to bring and use your own if it is compliant.

IMAGES

Cathedral Square, Christchurch, circa 1905, New Zealand, by Muir & Moodie. Te Papa (C.011463)

Cathedral Square, Christchurch, 1931, New Zealand, maker unknown. (Edited) Te Papa (O.006010)

Interior tiles, Christ Church Cathedral, New Zealand, 2025. Image: Amy Wilson, Christchurch Archaeology Project.