Christchurch earthquake aftermath: What's closed and what's open?

Roads, tracks and council-owned facilities remain closed as officials check for damage after yesterday's severe 5.7 magnitude earthquake.

Christchurch City Council spokeswoman Jocelyn Ritchie said the council was checking council-owned sites for damage, and as of 1pm only the Linwood Library at Eastgate Shopping Centre remained closed for light-fitting repairs.

The New Brighton Library was scheduled to re-open at 1pm.

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, including the Ilex and Duck Duck cafés, are open.

New Brighton Pier and Pages Rd Bridge are also both open and undergoing visual inspections.

Further checks at council sites will take place throughout today, she said.

"In most cases, any reports of damage have been very minor."

Council heritage sites, including the Bridge of Remembrance are being checked by the council's heritage team and engineers.

"So far, no significant damage has been discovered at any council heritage facilities. A number were already closed for repair, so pose no safety risk to the public."

Stopbanks had also been inspected, with no problems found, and they will be checked again at high tide early this afternoon.

Residents and commercial property owners are responsible for carrying out safety checks to their own buildings and properties, but anyone with concerns a building might be dangerous can call the council on (03) 941 8999.

Those affected by liquefaction should wear protective eyewear, dust masks and gloves while removing it, and small quantities can be put in the red rubbish bins, with a maximum of a third of the bin allowed.

The Student Volunteer Army is helping residents with liquefaction clean-up and can be contacted via email at info@sva.org.nz or through their Facebook page.