List of tallest buildings in Christchurch

Manchester Courts, earlier known as the MLC Building, was the city's first commercial high-rise building. Built in 1905–1906 for the New Zealand Express Company, it was at the time the tallest commercial building in Christchurch.^[3] A Category I heritage building since 1991,^[3] it suffered serious structural damage in the 2010 Canterbury earthquake and was condemned to be demolished. Demolition began on 19 October 2010, and was completed in February 2011.^[4]

The BNZ Building in Cathedral Square has one of the oldest histories of the buildings listed here, as it replaced the earlier BNZ Building from 1866. The replacement was begun in 1961 as a four-storey building designed by Christchurch architect G. W. Bucknell. Work ceased abruptly in 1963, when the bank announced that they would redevelop the whole site (which included the removal of the historic bank building) and incorporate the four-storey building into the high-rise. The 51 metres (167 ft) high-rise was designed by Sydney firm Stephenson and Turner and completed in 1967.^[5]

Throughout the 1980s Christchurch saw a high-rise boom, with some of the cities tallest, and most recognisable, buildings constructed during this period. Notable structures include:

Hotel Grand Chancellor, was completed in 1986, and at the time held the title of tallest building. Rising to 85 metres (279 ft), the 26-storey hotel suffered critical structural failure following the 2011 earthquakes and was subsequently demolished shortly after.

Clarendon Tower, designed by Warren and Mahoney, was constructed during 1986/87 on the site of the former Clarendon Hotel. It retained most of the historic hotel's façade, which was the first example of facadism in Christchurch.^[6] The 17-storey structure failed in the February 2011 earthquake, with the internal staircases collapsing and the building 'ballooning' in the middle by some 100 millimetres (3.9 in).^[7]

Forsyth Barr Building (now Crowne Plaza Hotel) is one of only two high-rise structure of those constructed throughout this period which still remain. The 19-storey tower is now the second-tallest building in Christchurch. After suffering staircase collapse in the earthquakes, The building was sold "as is where is" in August 2014 to a local consortium who have since repaired and converted it into a hotel.^[8][9]

Radio Network House, a 14-storey building in Worcester Street was completed in 1986. Following the earthquakes it was imploded on 5 August 2012 and was New Zealand's first ever controlled building demolition by explosives.^[10][11]

Also constructed during this time were the Westpac Canterbury Centre, PricewaterhouseCoopers centre, and the Centra Building.

The 2000s saw continued high-rise development across the city, with many buildings having been constructed during this time still remaining. Notable structures include:

Pacific Tower, rising 86.5 metres (284 ft), is the city's tallest building. Following the earthquakes, it was repaired and reopened on 1 May 2013 and currently houses the Fable Hotel.^[12]

Club Tower, designed by Weirwalker Architecture in Worcester Boulevard, which first opened in 2009. This was the first high-rise to open again after the February 2011 earthquake, with the first tenants moving back in on 30 May 2011.^[13][14] The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority later moved into the top floors of the building, with CEO Roger Sutton's office the "highest office in town".^[15]

Novotel Hotel at Cathedral Square was completed in 2010. Rising 15-storeys, it was repaired following the earthquakes and reopened on 19 August 2013.^[16][17]

Also constructed during this time were the Gallery Apartments, Victoria Square Tower, and Oxford Apartments.

High-rise construction following the 2010/2011 earthquakes has largely been blocked due to height-limits imposed by the Christchurch City Council. Buildings were restricted to 28 metres (92 ft), unless a structure which exceeded this height had previously stood on the site.

In the decade following 2011, only two buildings standing above 35 metres (115 ft) have been constructed, with a further three currently under construction.

In September 2024, Council voted to remove height restrictions within certain areas of the CBD, and loosened requirements surrounding the need for developers to apply for resource consent. This was in response to the central governments push for the development of intensive housing.

As of September 2024, there are currently two active proposals to develop buildings standing taller than 35 metres (115 ft) and numerous more which, while inactive, have yet to be officially cancelled.

Central city seen from the Port Hills in December 2015 looking north, with most of the earthquake-damaged tall buildings demolished; the Civic Offices in Hereford Street are on the far left

This lists ranks Christchurch high-rises that stand at least 35 metres (115 ft) tall, based on standard height measurement. This includes spires, architectural details, and antenna masts.

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This lists ranks under-construction Christchurch high-rises to stand at least 35 metres (115 ft) tall, based on standard height measurement. This includes spires, architectural details, and antenna masts.

This lists ranks Christchurch high-rises that stand/stood at least 35 metres (115 ft) tall, based on standard height measurement. This includes spires, architectural details, and antenna masts.

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