Cardboard Cathedral (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Cardboard Cathedral?
What makes it 54% Baby-Friendly: Prams roll straight in and toilets may include a change table, but no stated nursing room; check with staff before arrival because the quiet space can amplify crying.
Positives:
- Pram-Friendly Access: Wide level entrance and flat interior floors let you bring a stroller inside easily.
- Baby-Changing Available: Nearby restroom block offers a baby-change table at no cost; ask staff to open a private room.
Challenges:
- No Dedicated Nursing Room: There’s no official feeding room; ask staff to use a small side room for privacy.
- Limited Play Space: No indoor play area means visits should be brief to keep your baby settled.
What is Cardboard Cathedral?
- A temporary Anglican cathedral in Christchurch built after the 2011 earthquake, composed principally of corrugated cardboard tubes, timber and steel
- Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the building features 98 cardboard arches rising 21 meters beneath a translucent polytetrafluoroethylene roof
- An example of sustainable, modular post-disaster reconstruction uniting industrial materials with the scale and form of traditional ecclesiastical architecture
What is so special about Cardboard Cathedral for with baby?
- Unique cardboard tube arches that shine soft daylight.
- Short family tour explains design with baby in pram.
- Free entry with optional NZD 5 guided donation.
- Pram-friendly interior and nearby baby-changing facilities.
- Quick visit perfect before a park stroll.
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Short visits suit a baby’s routine and cover key highlights without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Cardboard Cathedral
Short Guided Tour:
Join a 15-minute family tour explaining the cathedral’s cardboard design and quake history.
Tip: Buy tickets onsite (NZD 5 per adult); kids and baby join free.
Self-Guided Tube Hunt:
Count the tall cardboard tubes and spot the triangular glass panels.
Tip: Ask older kids to tally tubes; show your baby the shifting light patterns.
Candle-Lighting Moment:
Light a tea-light to introduce your baby to this quiet space.
Tip: Candles cost a NZD 1 donation; supervise your child safely.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cardboard Cathedral
- Visit Early: Arrive at 9 am to enjoy soft light and fewer visitors.
- Combine with Latimer Square: After touring, stroll next door for fresh air and a playground break.
Reviews of Cardboard Cathedral
Eileen S
We visited in early October , nice and unique church. There was a singing choir and service going on so we attended it. Made some donations , hope it goes to help in the rebuilding of the church building funds. Nice and interesting building structure.
Jasmine Lee
The architectural design is beautiful and unique! It’s worth visiting, and I encourage everyone to make a donation to the church.
Steve Warne
The cardboard cathedral is a temporary home for the Anglican community of Christchurch since the original cathedral was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. It is made of recyclable materials. It is now dwarved by the new stadium.
Tulloch Stewart
What an interesting and different building. Well worth the visit. Free entry, and don't hassle you about donating. Super friendly staff, particularly the young lady (Kathleen was it?). Pleasure meeting you and it was great learning about the place and also other recommendations around town.
Mon Trésor
Innovative thinking at its peak.Attended Sunday mass here and the worship songs sung by the choir members is mesmerising 🤩Felt very peaceful and the sermon was great and meaningful. Very organised in each and every event . Hope they get enough funding for building the new church.great architecture.
When is the best time to visit Cardboard Cathedral (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
Bring warm layers in winter; the cathedral has minimal heating. In summer, morning sun beams through the glass panels.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Guided tour donation (2 adults) | NZD 10 |
| Candle donation | NZD 1 |
| Souvenir item | NZD 5 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 16 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Cardboard Cathedral
Address: 234 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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