Thousands gather to pay homage to quake victims

The memorial service was held in the Botanic Gardens (Mel Logan)
The memorial service was held in the Botanic Gardens (Mel Logan)

Thousands gathered to reflect on a day five years ago that shook Christchurch city to its core.

The memorial service in the Botanic Garden in Hagley Park has wrapped up this afternoon. It finished with a minute's silence at 12:51pm; the time the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck half a decade ago.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel addressed the crowd as well as Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Cantabrians drop flowers into the Avon (Emma Cropper)

Residents have also gathered at waterways across the city to distribute flowers as part of the River of Flowers initiative that honours the lives of the 185 people who died in the quakes.

The River of Flowers is a tradition that's taken place on the anniversary every year.

Crowds gathered to remember those who lost their lives (Emma Cropper)

Wreath laying (Mel Logan)

See more:

Opinion: Christchurch is ready to move on

St John members: 'Almost like it was yesterday'

A day of reflection in Christchurch

Newshub.