For 30 years , the New Brighton community rallied for another pier to be built . The Pier and Foreshore Society had campaigned to save the original pier , and the group continued lobbying for a new pier . When NZ$ 2m had been raised , this was matched by funding from Christchurch City Council and a new pier was designed using reinforced concrete . The new pier was built in exactly the same location , and it was officially opened on 1 November 1997 . It spans , which makes it the longest pier in the Australasia . The New Brighton Pier is held as the icon of New Brighton and later the icon of Christchurch after the 22 February 2011 earthquake that significantly damaged Christchurch 's Cathedral . The pier is one of Christchurch 's tourist attractions . Currently the New Brighton Pier is the venue of a number of events , such as regular skate on the Pier events and the annual Guy Fawkes fireworks display held on 5 November every year . The pier sustained some damage in the various earthquakes , and this was exacerbated in the 2016 Christchurch earthquake . The repairs will start later in 2016 , will take 18 months , and are expected to cost between NZ$ 8m and NZ$ 9m . It is expected that the pier will open again in early 2018
2016 Christchurch earthquake
2016 Christchurch earthquake
New Brighton Pier