Temples & religious sites
Cardboard Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral
This Anglican cathedral serves as a temporary replacement for the original structure destroyed during the 2011 earthquake. It is constructed using unconventional materials, most notably reinforced cardboard tubes. Visitors go here to see the unique architectural response to the disaster and to experience the interior space of a functioning place of worship built from recycled materials.
Getting There
The cathedral is located near the edge of the city centre. From the central business district, it is a short walk or a few minutes by car or public transport. The journey typically takes less than 10 minutes depending on your starting point within the city.
Visit Duration
Most visitors spend between 30 and 60 minutes exploring the building and observing the construction details.
When to Visit
The site is accessible throughout the year. Visiting during the day allows for better visibility of the exterior structure and the way light interacts with the interior. It does not typically experience extreme crowding, though it may be busier during scheduled religious services.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its location, this site can be combined with several other nearby points of interest:
- St John the Baptist Church (0km)
- 185 Empty Chairs (0.1km)
- Latimer Square (0.2km)
- Cathedral Square (0.5km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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