How many records does the archive hold?

81,477 records about Christchurch, every one linked at the provider that keeps the original.

How far back does the archive reach?

1800, the oldest record on file.

Where do the records come from?

30 collections: council archives, Papers Past, DigitalNZ’s partners, cemetery registers, the heritage list itself. The shelf says what exists and where it lives.

Are these documents verified?

They are leads and citations, not evidence, a record says a document exists and where to read it. What a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it; those readings live on the place pages.

“"a"”, the shelf

Every record the archive holds about Christchurch, the oldest first. The originals live at the provider each row links to.

60,289 records matching 98 of these 100 with their text read Papers Past · Canterbury Stories · Kura Heritage Collections Online · Te Papa Collections Online · National Publicity Studios black and white file prints · TAPUHI · Canterbury Museum · Auckland Museum Collections · New Zealand Gazette · Digital Public Library of America · V.C. Browne & Son NZ Aerial Photograph Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Flickr · Hocken Digital Collections · Museums Victoria · Air Force Museum of New Zealand Photograph Collection · Wellington City Council Archives · The New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero · New Zealand Electronic Text Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Heritage Images Collection · Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho · Flickr · Radio New Zealand · Alexander Turnbull Library Flickr · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki · Te Hikoi Museum · iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao · Manawatū Heritage · Canterbury Photography Museum · Akaroa Museum · Hawke's Bay Museum

the 1880s
21 Jul 1882
TIMARU. (Thames Star, 21 July 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jul 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 21 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jul 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 21 July 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 21 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jul 1882
COURSING AT TIMARU. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 22 July 1882) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 22 July 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jul 1882
Page 293 Advertisements Column 1 (Observer, 22 July 1882) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 25 July 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 26 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 26 July 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 28 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jul 1882
Page 24 Advertisements Column 2 (New Zealand Tablet, 28 July 1882) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Jul 1882
Page 318 Advertisements Column 1 (Observer, 29 July 1882) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Jul 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 31 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 01 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1882
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1882. (Timaru Herald, 01 August 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1882
INTERPROVINCIAL (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 01 August 1882) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 02 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 02 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Otago Daily Times, 02 August 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Thames Star, 02 August 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1882
Abutments of bridge over River Avon Christchurch bridges: plans and drawings · Canterbury Stories · Christchurch City Libraries
4 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 04 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Thames Star, 04 August 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Thames Star, 05 August 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 10 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 11 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Aug 1882
Page 24 Advertisements Column 2 (New Zealand Tablet, 11 August 1882) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Aug 1882
Surface manhole cover Christchurch Drainage Board, plans, maps and drawings · Canterbury Stories · Christchurch City Libraries
12 Aug 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Poverty Bay Herald, 12 August 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 14 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Aug 1882
Local & General. (Star, 14 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1882
Local & General. (Star, 15 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
15 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 15 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 15 August 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 16 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 17 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 18 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Aug 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 21 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 22 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Aug 1882
Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1882. (Nelson Evening Mail, 22 August 1882) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Aug 1882
Local & General. (Star, 23 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Aug 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 24 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Aug 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 24 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 25 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Aug 1882
The Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1882. (Star, 25 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Aug 1882
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 26 August 1882) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Aug 1882
Local & General. (Star, 26 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 28 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 29 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Colonist, 29 August 1882) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 30 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Aug 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 30 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Aug 1882
AUSTRALIA v. ENGLAND. (Evening Post, 31 August 1882) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Aug 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 31 August 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1882
Local & General. (Star, 01 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Thames Star, 01 September 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Sept 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 04 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 05 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1882
FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH. (BY TELEGRAPH.) Christchurch, Sept 4. (North Otago Times, 05 September 1882) North Otago Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 05 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 07 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH, (Poverty Bay Herald, 07 September 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Daily Telegraph, 07 September 1882) Daily Telegraph · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1882
SAFE ROBBERY IN CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 07 September 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1882
DEATH OF DR. WARD. (New Zealand Tablet, 08 September 1882) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · no. 2.11 · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · no. 2.13 · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 09 September 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1882
Memoranda of the Month. (Thames Star, 09 September 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 12 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Sept 1882
The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1882. (Nelson Evening Mail, 12 September 1882) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Sept 1882
TELEGRAMS. (Poverty Bay Herald, 13 September 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
13 Sept 1882
THE HUNT V. GORDON CASE. Wellington, September 12. (West Coast Times, 13 September 1882) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Sept 1882
The Star. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1882. (Star, 13 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Herald, 14 September 1882) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH NORTHWEST. (Star, 14 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Sept 1882
Local & General. (Star, 16 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 16 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Sept 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 19 September 1882) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Sept 1882
Local & General. (Star, 20 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
21 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 21 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Sept 1882
THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1882. (Grey River Argus, 21 September 1882) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 22 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1882
Local & General. (Star, 22 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 23 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1882
THE SEARCH FOR MR WINTER. (Star, 23 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Daily Telegraph, 25 September 1882) Daily Telegraph · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Sept 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 25 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Poverty Bay Herald, 25 September 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 25 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Sept 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 26 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Sept 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 26 September 1882) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 28 September 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Poverty Bay Herald, 28 September 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Sept 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 29 September 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Sept 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 (Southland Times, 29 September 1882) Southland Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Sept 1882
The Otago Daily Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1882. (Otago Daily Times, 29 September 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read

Most of these originals are not republishable here, the link goes to the provider that keeps them. A search result is a lead, not evidence: what a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it, and those readings live on the place pages.

“"a"”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch