3 July 2012

M E D I A R E L E A S E

Red Zone tour details announced

Red Bus today announced details of the new Christchurch Red Zone tours.

The tours will commence Tuesday 17 July, and include a broad commentary from a Canterbury Museum guide.

The tours will drive through the cordoned off area of the central city showing at first hand the earthquake impacts on the central city and its iconic buildings while providing some insights into the seismic forces at work during significant earthquakes and future redevelopment plans for the central city.

People will see and hear information both through digital imagery and commentary.

Red Bus Chief Executive Paul McNoe says the tours are also designed to provide those on the tours with an insight into the impact of these events on Christchurch people and the remarkable support from local, national and international communities immediately after the earthquakes and towards the ongoing road to recovery.

“Red Bus is delighted to offer this opportunity for visitors and residents alike to travel through the cordoned off area giving them an overall picture of these events and an insight into the city’s recovery”

Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright says the tours are a unique opportunity to view the heart of central Christchurch.

“Canterbury Museum is delighted to help tell the stories of the earthquakes to bus tour patrons. This will help them understand the impact of these significant events and also our aspirations for the city’s recovery.”

The tours will be available 7 days a week on the hour between 10am and 2pm. They will be 30-40 minutes long, and cost $15 per person. Under-15-years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (a maximum of five under-15-year-olds per parent or guardian).

The tours will depart from Rolleston Avenue, outside Canterbury Museum. Bookings are essential by phoning 0800 500 929, or online at www.redbus.co.nz from Tuesday, 3 July.

People are required to remain seated throughout the tour, and wear sturdy, closed-in footwear. The route may vary depending on safety conditions.

Red Bus was awarded the contract to run the tours in the Red Zone in June 2012, after the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority put the tours out to tender.

ENDS

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