Cardboard Cathedral (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Cardboard Cathedral?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Children can enjoy a 15-minute “tube” tour and counting games that teach earthquake history, yet no play area means visits must stay brief and parents must enforce quiet voices.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee lets you explore without budget worries.
- Accessible space: Wide doors and level flooring make stroller use easy.
- Kid-friendly activities: Simple counting games and photo challenges keep children engaged.
Challenges:
- Short attention span: Quiet interior may bore very young children after 20–30 minutes.
- No play area: There is no dedicated kids’ zone; plan extra activities nearby.
- Limited heating: Interior can be chilly in winter without extra layers.
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 kids?
- Unique cardboard tube architecture that fascinates kids.
- Interactive tube hunt and photo challenges to keep children busy.
- Brief guided tour tailored for families with young kids.
- Free admission and stroller-friendly layout.
- Easy walk to Latimer Square for extra play or a picnic.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for a 15-minute family tour, a self-led tube hunt, and a candle-lighting moment without overwhelming young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Cardboard Cathedral
Guided Family Tour:
Join a 15-minute tour to learn about the cardboard design and earthquake rebuild.
Tip: Book on arrival and ask the guide to point out child-friendly highlights like the colorful glass panels.
Tube Hunt Game:
Count the tall cardboard tubes from different viewpoints.
Tip: Turn it into a friendly competition and reward kids with a snack at nearby Latimer Square.
Photo-Spot Challenge:
Search for shapes and shadows cast by the angled tubes.
Tip: Give kids prompts such as finding a heart-shaped beam or spotting the highest tube.
Candle-Lighting Moment:
Light a votive candle to share a private wish or prayer.
Tip: Buy tea-lights at the stand and let older children light them under supervision.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cardboard Cathedral
- Visit off service times: Arrive between services to avoid crowds and enjoy a calm space.
- Combine with Latimer Square: Have a picnic or play in the park next door after your visit.
- Prep a scavenger list: Write a short list of tubes or shapes for kids to find before you go.
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)?
In winter the interior can feel cool—bring a light jacket. In summer, late afternoon sun filters through gaps for striking photos.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | NZD 0 |
| Guided family tour donation | NZD 10 |
| Candles (tea-lights) | NZD 4 |
| Souvenirs | NZD 20 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 34 |
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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