Christchurch red zone tours planned

Christchurch residents will soon be able to see the damage the city's CBD has suffered for themselves. Photo / APN

Tour buses may soon be able to cruise through the quake-devastated centre of Christchurch, giving locals their first look at the red zone.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority's chief executive Roger Sutton said today it was considering opening up the CBD red zone to bus tours.

The prospect of tours follows criticism of CERA for allowing celebrities into the red zone while keeping Christchurch people out.

Rachel Hunter, Russell Crowe, Prince William and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard have all been through the CBD.

A spokeswoman for Mr Sutton said: "It is only in the planning stages at this point, but he hopes to be able to announce further details in a couple of weeks. Timing is is also yet to be confirmed."

Christchurch people spoken to by The Star said bus tours were a good idea. Some even suggested the tours should cost $5, with proceeds going to help the city's rebuild.

Sarah Philp, 22, said she would be very keen to go on a tour of the central city.

"It would be a great opportunity to see what state the city is actually in. Doing it this way means it will be done in a safe, organised and controlled manner."

David Smith, 84, thought the tours were a good idea but said he understood why the public had not been allowed in earlier.

"Everyone else has been allowed in so why not the public- as long as it is safe. There's a tremendous amount of anticipation about what the city looks like.

"I understand why people feel they have been neglected, but CERA has had a pretty difficult task. I think it's a good decision on their behalf," he said.

Cassie Lovell, 34, said the number of celebrities that had been through the red zone was "ridiculous."

"If they can go through then it's safe enough for us too. They're finally listening to the public. I'd definitely want to go on one. It's so heartbreaking to our city is broken but I want to see it first-hand."