Christchurch residents gathered in force on Thursday night to watch an extraordinary event, the relocation of a 140-year-old home through the city’s eastern suburbs.

The Mackie family’s historic homestead, which had been extensively restored over more than five years, was finally on the move from Ajax Street in Burwood to its new site on Averill Street in Richmond.

As the clock ticked past 10pm, around three dozen workers in high-vis took up positions along the route, joined by a much larger crowd of spectators.

Families with children, neighbours peering from windows, and groups of friends brought snacks and drinks to settle in and enjoy the unique sight.

The operation involved a coordinated effort to clear the path, powerlines were temporarily removed, traffic lights repositioned, and overhanging trees trimmed on the spot.

The old house crept through narrow streets under floodlights, flanked by support crews ensuring every detail was managed.