The Christchurch CBD Walking Trail
The Rewi Alley Walking Trail: A journey through Christchurch's heart and history
Discover the remarkable legacy of Rewi Alley as you explore Christchurch’s vibrant city centre on this self-guided journey. The Rewi Alley Walking Trail offers a captivating way to immerse yourself in the city’s iconic heritage sites while discovering the story of one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary – and often underappreciated – heroes.
Explore Christchurch’s living history
Follow in the footsteps of Rewi Alley (1897–1987), a school principal’s son who was born in Canterbury, and who went on to become a celebrated humanitarian and a key figure in China’s 20th-century transformation. As you walk along the trail, you’ll encounter landmarks that tell the story of Rewi’s journey from New Zealand to China, where his dedication and vision changed countless lives.
Three well-known Christchurch landmarks are all included in the Rewi Alley Walking Trail. These places are in every guidebook but often don't share the key connection with Rewi's amazing story.
The Christchurch Arts Centre/Te Matatiki Toi Ora
2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central
Begin your adventure at the Christchurch Arts Centre. This was once the site of Christchurch Boys’ High School where Rewi received his secondary school education. Here you’ll find:
- A bronze statue of Rewi, unveiled in 2024, which depicts him in a contemplative frame of mind.
- A memorial plaque (behind the statue and under a tree), which was installed for Rewi’s 100th birthday in 1997.
- A plaque inside the Great Hall, which honours his brother Eric, who was killed in World War One.
The Arts Centre building, which is an architectural treasure in the Gothic Revival-style that is so iconic to Christchurch, is now an arts and cultural hub. This provides a fitting starting point for the Rewi Alley Walking Trail as it links Rewi’s global humanitarian legacy back to his Christchurch and Cantabrian roots.
Canterbury Museum (currently closed for earthquake repairs)
11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central
The Canterbury Museum, which is another building in the Gothic Revival-style, houses the world-renowned Rewi Alley Collection – over 1,400 Chinese antiquities, paintings, calligraphy, and artefacts spanning several centuries. These were personally collected by Rewi over a period of 60 years. Following diplomatic and cultural discussions between the New Zealand and Chinese Governments, a vast number of these items were transported in one shipment to New Zealand in exchange for moa bones. (The moa is a unique, flightless, extinct, native bird of New Zealand). These bones are now displayed as a taonga (a valued treasure) in the National Natural History Museum of China, in Beijing.
The exchange of these priceless items reflect Rewi’s power as a cultural bridge-builder and his commitment to mutual understanding between East and West.
The Kate Sheppard National Memorial to Women's Suffrage
Located in a landscaped area beside the Avon River on Oxford Terrace
Pause by the Avon River to appreciate this tribute to pioneering women, including Clara Buckingham Alley. Clara was Rewi’s mother and an advocate for suffrage (the right of women to vote) and social reform. Here, Rewi’s dedication to justice and equality can be traced to his family’s progressive values, echoing through his life’s mission in China.
Rewi Alley: From Canterbury to China
Born in Springfield, Rewi was destined for ordinary life until he served in World War One. Events after that piqued his curiosity about visiting China, which was going through great change. Setting out in 1927, Rewi became a vital supporter of China’s development for the next six decades. His impact included:
- Co-founding China’s industrial cooperatives movement and coining the slogan “Gung Ho” (“Work Together”).
Organizing mobile, self-supporting cooperatives that supported millions of refugees during wartime.
Founding the influential Bailie School at Shandan, pioneering practical education and rural development.
A key figure in humanitarian efforts, particularly in addressing flood and famine crises in China. He played a pivotal role in coordinating aid and support during these critical times, organizing food distribution, establishing shelters, and mobilizing resources to assist affected communities.
Actively involved in global peace movements, he opposed militarism and championed harmonious coexistence. His lifelong dedication to peace and humanitarianism left a profound legacy, inspiring future generations worldwide.
Adopting two Chinese sons, publishing over 50 books, and becoming the first foreigner granted honorary citizenship of Beijing.
Why Walk the Rewi Alley Trail?
This trail is more than just a stroll through historic Christchurch. It offers:
Cultural understanding
Experience how one person’s commitment to friendship and cooperation can bridge cultures and create lasting positive change—a message as timely today as ever.
Educational value
Discover the link between a local education and a global legacy, tracing how a Christchurch education shaped a humanitarian career impacting millions.
Historical insights
Gain a unique perspective on world events—World Wars, the Chinese Revolution, and the Cold War—through the lived experience of a New Zealander abroad.
Inspired service
Rewi Alley’s life reminds us that simple curiosity, courage, and a willingness to help others can lead to an extraordinary impact—no matter where the journey begins.
Begin your journey
The Rewi Alley Walking Trail invites you to explore Christchurch’s architectural, cultural, and humanitarian heritage. As you visit each landmark in the city, you’ll not only learn about a remarkable New Zealander but also discover the enduring power of cross-cultural understanding and the difference one life can make.
Step onto the trail to follow in the footsteps of Rewi Alley. It is our hope and wish that you will be inspired to make a positive difference to others. Perhaps you could start in your neighbourhood or your community? Even if you made a difference to just one person’s life, it will be worth it. Thank you.
