Cardboard CathedralThe Cardboard Cathedral (formally the Transitional Cathedral) was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban with local firm Warren and Mahoney and opened in 2013 as a replacement pro-cathedral after the 2011 earthquakes. It sits on the former site of St John the Baptist Church on the corner of Hereford and Madras Streets in Latimer Square, in central Christchurch.
The building is notable for the use of nearly 100 large cardboard tubes (coated for weather and fire resistance), timber, steel and polycarbonate roofing, with eight shipping containers forming part of the walls; it was conceived to be a medium-term structure that can also host concerts and civic events. Construction was completed after delays and budget increases, and the cathedral was intended to remain for the St John parish until a permanent arrangement is made with the diocese.
Visiting feels more like seeing a contemporary civic space than a traditional stone cathedral: the interior has gaps between tubes that let diffuse light in, triangular stained-glass pieces replace a conventional rose window, and the A-frame rises above the altar. The space seats around 700 and is used for services, concerts and community events, so check locally for public access and event listings before you go.
- Cardboard tube structure: The reinforced cardboard tubes are the defining visual and structural feature, visible both inside and out and allowing shafts of light through their gaps.
- Triangular stained glass: Instead of a rose window, triangular stained-glass panels puncture the roofline and add colored light to the nave.
- A-frame interior and altar: Stand in the nave to appreciate the cathedral’s tall A-frame volume and the way timber and cardboard are combined around the altar.
- Shipping-container elements: Eight shipping containers form part of the wall structure and are visible as part of the building’s hybrid construction.
- Latimer Square setting: The cathedral faces Latimer Square, a green city space that shows how the central city has been reshaped after the earthquakes.
Nearby Attractions to Cardboard Cathedral#
Best Time to Visit Cardboard Cathedral#
Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate; the most pleasant visiting weather tends to be in late spring and summer, with cooler, wetter conditions in winter. Choose sunny days in the warmer months for walking around the central city.
Weather & Climate near Cardboard Cathedral#
Cardboard Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (854 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 5.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.8h |
| February | Excellent | 12° - 22° | 17° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 5.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.7h |
| March | Very Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 5.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.2h |
| April | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| May | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 2° - 12° | 4° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 2° - 12° | 4° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| August | Acceptable | 3° - 13° | 5° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 5.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| September | Good | 5° - 15° | 10° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.6h |
| October | Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 5.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.5h |
| December | Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 52 mm | overcast | 69% | 5.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.2h |
How to Get to Cardboard Cathedral#
The cathedral is in central Christchurch; the nearest major transport hubs are Christchurch International Airport and the city center rail and bus services. The airport is a short taxi or ride from the city, from which the cathedral is a few minutes by taxi or a 15-30 minute local bus or bike ride depending on your starting point.
From Christchurch railway station and central city terminals it is an easy walk or short taxi ride to Latimer Square; the site is on Hereford and Madras Streets. For the final short stretch expect city streets, and consult local maps or transport apps for up-to-date routes and any central-city traffic changes.
Tips for Visiting Cardboard Cathedral#
- Check for services or events before visiting, as the cathedral is an active place of worship and a performance venue.
- Respect the interior during services and events and follow any signage about photography or access.
- The cardboard tubes are treated for weather and fire resistance, but the building is architecturally unique so avoid leaning or touching structural elements.
- Combine a visit with a walk around Latimer Square and nearby rebuilt central-city attractions to see Christchurch’s post-quake architecture.