Story: City public spaces

This bird’s-eye view over Christchurch highlights early and recent public spaces in the central city. Spaces provided for in the original plan of the city include: Cathedral, Latimer and Cranmer squares, and Hagley Park. While the spire of the Cathedral is now dwarfed by skyscrapers, Cathedral Square is at the city’s heart and remains its premier public space. Latimer and Cranmer squares are well-used parks located diagonally opposite each other. Hagely Park was set aside as public reserve and is New Zealand’s largest urban park. Subsequent important public spaces include: Victoria Square, which the Avon River runs through; City Mall, a pedestrianised part of Cashel Street; and The Strip, an area of street cafes and night spots.

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Napier land office

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