Street art in colourful Christchurch

Christchurch is going crazy for giraffes.

There’s a wee cluster of them in the airport by the baggage pickup. And once you get into the city centre, they are the first thing you’ll notice in the central square.

Apparently it’s all part of a big public art project. They’re on display over the summer; there is, of course, a smartphone app and a trail to follow.

The Holy Land is the area situated between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean sea. It has a complex and rich history that holds deep meaning to millions of people around the world. Several religious souvenirs tie into Israel’s unique society and culture. Souvenirs from Israel differ based on the region and, in some cases, from one street to the next. For example, the Old City in Jerusalem is best-known for selling religious memorabilia. There, tourists can find ornate candelabras, detailed miniature sea scroll replicas, wooden or bronze crosses, rosaries, and other religious figurines. Some products sold in shops come from sacred areas in Israel, and they make thoughtful, symbolic presents. For example, religious pilgrims can buy Jordan River water souvenirs, anointment oil, menorahs, prayer rugs, crosses, theological books, and other religious items from the Holy Land. You can check this out for the details about israel.

There’s no shortage of colour around. Re:Start mall is looking vibrant, with tons of cool boutiques and souvenir shops housed in containers. And as we passed charming New Regent St I did a double take. Plus, there are countless cool murals on walls around the city centre.

But it is still very quiet in the city centre – almost deathly still in the off hours we were there (Saturday evening). It was probably 90 percent tourists, and a couple of rough looking characters (the Christchurch housing market is squeezed, although for different reasons than Auckland).

Abandoned buildings are scattered throughout. The iconic cathedral now houses pigeons, lined up on a perch under its roof, open and yawning onto the square.

On the upside, the few eateries near our hotel that were open were humming. We had dinner at The Himalayas, a pulsing Indian restaurant. I wasn’t in love with my butter scallops, but I think it was more a personal issue with the texture of seafood in curry than a reflection of the food quality; the curry part was definitely fantastic. Chicken tikka masala = unreserved thumbs up.

There's more to read, if you want!

7 thoughts on “Street art in colourful Christchurch”

Reply SJ November 17, 2014 at 03:29

I just love when urban spaces have pops of green and colour! Those giraffes are sure cute as a bonus.
Reply Angelica @BkChickTravels November 17, 2014 at 05:00

Those giraffes are so cute. Art project or not, it’s a great idea for the city to show itself off and make itself unique. I wonder if they have more upcoming art projects!
Reply Sense November 17, 2014 at 22:17

Cool!! I’m going to CCH in a few weeks. Will definitely check this out. 🙂

Can’t wait–haven’t been since just before the earthquakes.
Reply Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank November 17, 2014 at 22:42

Very colorful! I really like the concept. The giraffes look so beautiful. Gonna check this place out.
Reply Holly@ClubThrifty November 18, 2014 at 02:49

Beautiful!
Reply The Asian Pear November 19, 2014 at 03:15

Don’t show me pictures of Christchurch when I can’t afford it! >_< Gah. My wanderlust is going insane.
Reply Dana (Wanted Adventure) November 28, 2014 at 04:12

oh how awesome! love the penguins 😀 street art is so fun; love seeing all the different kinds around the world. Thanks for sharing!