The Red Zone, the no-go area of the Christchurch city centre since the 22 February earthquake, has been reduced.
Civil Defence says the zone, deemed the most dangerous part of the CBD, has been reduced on its northern, eastern and southern boundaries.
Parts have been reclassified as Orange Zones 5, 6, 7.
A new zone - Zone 8 - has been added covering the Colombo Street area and running through the suburb of Sydenham.
The existing Orange Zone 4 has been split into north and south.
The southern section will be open to residents from Thursday, and the public on Friday.
Zone 5, which includes the Christchurch polytechnic, will also be open later in the week.
