Āhea / When: 16–22 February 2026, 9.30-10.30am, 11am-12pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm

Ki Hea / Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 100 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City

Te Utu / Cost: Entry is free, but spaces are limited to four sessions per day. Tickets available from 5 December. Bookings are essential.

Te Reanga / Ages: 10+ due to access restrictions.

Tāima/ Time: Please arrive 10 minutes before your booking time and allow an hour for your visit.

E Wātea Ana Ki / Accessibility: 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 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. Held inside Christ Church Cathedral, 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. Alongside these, a small but significant collection of Māori taonga illuminate stories of this place before European settlement.

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Cathedral Square Unearthed goes beyond traditional display cases. Enhanced with video projection, audio, and augmented reality, 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.

Visiting Christ Church Cathedral is a rare opportunity in itself. The Cathedral opens to pre-booked visitors especially for this exhibition — a space alive with memories, stories, heritage, and taonga.

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 with generous contributions from the local community.

We welcome donations — made at the time of registration — towards the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project.

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.

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