Archaeologists say the Canterbury earthquakes have offered an insight into the region's history.
Rules within the Earthquake Recovery Act stipulate that anything of heritage value discovered by demolition contractors must be reported to the local Historic Places Trust.
A number of relics left by the city's founders have been discovered so far.
The site of the Isaac Theatre Royal in the city centre has turned up the skeleton of a circus pony, complete with iron shoes, and old skating paraphernalia.
Underground Overground director Katharine Watson said the quakes have unearthed a previously forgotten way of living.
