Today the earthquake-stricken city of Christchurch spread relatively positive news. Although the central city is still closed off to enable the cleaning up process, city buses are running again and many businesses including restaurants, bars and clubs in Canterbury are recovering and getting back to normal.

After inspections, just five percent of over 550 inspected buildings in Christchurch City have been severely damaged, and as of 12pm today, 98 percent of tourism attractions and accommodation providers were fully operational. Christchurch’s iconic Court Theatre, however, has to remain closed at this point. Staff urge people to keep checking their website for updates on when performances will resume.

With regards to public transport, Christchurch Airport is fully operational and train services from Christchurch to Picton and Christchurch to Greymouth, which are currently being replaced by buses, are expected to run again tomorrow.