From 2010, New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch, became synonymous with crises. Known for its gardens, gothic architecture, and monochromatic culture, the city was rocked by a decade of tragedy—devastating earthquakes, wildfires, and a terrorist attack on two mosques that killed more than 50 people. Yet, in recent years, Christchurch has taken a surprising turn, shedding its conservative reputation and rebuilding from tragedy to become one of New Zealand’s most appealing cities.
Christchurch is now at the heart of the country’s fastest-growing region, attracting people from the North Island and beyond. Business growth in the city outpaces the national average, and the cultural scene is thriving. Experts cite affordability and job prospects as key factors enticing people to the city. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger proudly claims the city is “the capital of cool.”
“We’ve been named New Zealand’s most vibrant city as well as ranking highest in the 2024 Happy City Index,” Mauger says, highlighting affordability and quality of life as key attractions.
The Path from Devastation to Renewal
The shift in Christchurch’s desirability would have been difficult to imagine just over a decade ago. In February 2011, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch, killing 185 people, disrupting tens of thousands of lives, and reducing 80% of the city center to rubble. Tens of thousands of residents left the city following the quakes.
In 2017, destructive fires in the Port Hills claimed one life, razed homes, and forced more than 1,000 people to evacuate. Two years later, the world watched in horror as a white supremacist terrorist gunned down more than 50 Muslim worshippers at two of the city’s mosques. In the aftermath, attention turned to how Christchurch could have become the target of such terror.
“When the ground literally shifted beneath us, when hatred struck at the heart of our community, and when our Port Hills caught on fire, we chose … unity and hope to see us through,” Mauger reflects.
Rebuilding with Resilience and Community Spirit
Resilience and a measured post-earthquake rebuild have transformed the city. New buildings have emerged, colorful street art adorns the streets, and striking public artworks are scattered throughout the city. Mauger emphasizes that the community is at the heart of this transformation.
“Amazing things can be born out of disaster when a community refuses to be defined by such devastating events,” he says.
Provisional data from Stats NZ released in October shows Canterbury’s population grew by 1.1%, driven by Christchurch’s provisional net migration gain of 5,300. The average house value in Christchurch is around NZ$751,000 ($439,000), compared with about NZ$1.2 million in Auckland.
A New Home for Creativity and Opportunity
Musician Amelia Murray, who performs as Fazerdaze, moved to Christchurch from Auckland in 2022 after being drawn by the affordable housing market. “I could actually afford to buy a house in Christchurch,” Murray says. “I was struggling to live in Auckland while trying to do my art. I just felt like I was battling the city, it was draining me.”
Since relocating, Murray’s career has accelerated. Her record “Soft Power” recently won album of the year at the Aotearoa Music Awards, where she was also named best solo artist. She expresses a sense of dignity and pride in owning her home, a sentiment echoed by many new residents.
“I’m happy to pay my rates. The gardens and cycle tracks are so well-maintained, I love Tūranga [the library] and the outdoor facilities. I’m so much more outdoorsy here than I was in Auckland,” says Murray.
Business Growth and Future Prospects
Chief executive of ChristchurchNZ, Ali Adams, describes Christchurch as a “Goldilocks city,” perfectly balanced for both global business and a fulfilling lifestyle. Data from ChristchurchNZ shows that in the year to August 2025, the number of business locations in Canterbury increased by 2.4%, more than double the national rate.
Liam Kelleher, who grew up in Christchurch, recently returned after living in London. He opened Christchurch’s first urban cidery and restaurant, Lillies, with co-owner Will Lyons-Bowman. Despite the nationwide cost of living crisis, Kelleher felt confident in the venture, believing “Christchurch was ready for something a bit different.”
Adams notes growth in industries like health tech and aerospace, attracting younger people to Christchurch eager to make impactful changes in the world. The University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha has the second-fastest university growth in the country, further boosting the city’s youthful demographic.
“They want to do work that makes change in the world,” says Adams.
Mauger is optimistic about Christchurch’s potential as a hub for sports and events, with the NZ$683 million One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha due to open in 2026. The NZ$300 million Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, the largest indoor sports and aquatics facility in the country, opens in December.
“The city’s resurgence has been built on the courage, compassion [of] … its people. From tragedy has come positivity and resilience,” Mauger concludes.
