How many records does the archive hold?

72,593 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.

“Colony”, the shelf

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

3,746 records matching 100 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
17 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 17 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 18 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 4 (Timaru Herald, 18 January 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 19 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jan 1887
Untitled (Southland Times, 20 January 1887) Southland Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jan 1887
THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1897. (Otago Daily Times, 21 January 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 24 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jan 1887
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE. (Timaru Herald, 26 January 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Jan 1887
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE. (Otago Daily Times, 26 January 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Jan 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 26 January 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jan 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 28 January 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Feb 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. (Marlborough Express, 08 February 1887) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Feb 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 10 February 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Feb 1887
NOTES BY BEACON. (Otago Witness, 11 February 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 Feb 1887
Wanganui Chronicle, AND PATEA AND RANGITIKEI ADVERTISER. "NULLA DIES SINE LINEA." WEDNESDAY, FEBRUABY 16,1887. (Wanganui Chronicle, 16 February 1887) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Feb 1887
TELEGRAPHIC. (Otago Witness, 18 February 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Feb 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Wanganui Chronicle, 19 February 1887) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Feb 1887
Local & General. (Star, 25 February 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Feb 1887
Local & General. (Star, 26 February 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Feb 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 26 February 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Mar 1887
N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION. (Nelson Evening Mail, 02 March 1887) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Mar 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 03 March 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Mar 1887
The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1887. (Timaru Herald, 12 March 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
14 Mar 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Timaru Herald, 14 March 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Mar 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 15 March 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Mar 1887
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1887. (Otago Daily Times, 23 March 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Mar 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 23 March 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Apr 1887
CHRISTCHURCH SPECIALS. (Wanganui Herald, 02 April 1887) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Apr 1887
Local & General. (Star, 16 April 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Apr 1887
West Coast Times FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1887. (West Coast Times, 29 April 1887) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
12 May 1887
Saint John's Anglican Church (Southland Times, 12 May 1887) Southland Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 May 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 16 May 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 May 1887
The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1887. (Timaru Herald, 18 May 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
20 May 1887
PASSING NOTES. (Otago Witness, 20 May 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 May 1887
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1887. (Timaru Herald, 23 May 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 May 1887
POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE. (Otago Daily Times, 26 May 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1887
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON AND CANON LAW! (New Zealand Tablet, 27 May 1887) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 May 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 31 May 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Jun 1887
Wanganui Chronicle. AND PATEA -RANGITIKEI ADVERTISER. "NULLA DIES SINE LINEA." SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1887. (Wanganui Chronicle, 04 June 1887) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Jun 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 10 June 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
22 Jun 1887
THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE. (Otago Daily Times, 22 June 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jun 1887
The Procession. (Star, 22 June 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jun 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 24 June 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jul 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 01 July 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Jul 1887
Christchurch Cadets. (Star, 04 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jul 1887
THE NEW ELECTORATES. (Timaru Herald, 05 July 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jul 1887
THE NEW ELECTORATES. (Auckland Star, 05 July 1887) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jul 1887
REPRESENTATION COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 05 July 1887) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jul 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 06 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
8 Jul 1887
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER. (Star, 08 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
8 Jul 1887
AKAROA BOROUGH COUNCIL (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 08 July 1887) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jul 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 15 July 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 Jul 1887
SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS. (Auckland Star, 16 July 1887) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jul 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 19 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jul 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 28 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
2 Aug 1887
MR. BARNETT AT THE ODDFELLOWS' HALL. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 02 August 1887) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Aug 1887
ACCIDENTS AND OFFENCES. (Otago Daily Times, 10 August 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
10 Aug 1887
THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1887. (Otago Daily Times, 10 August 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Aug 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 12 August 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Aug 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. (Marlborough Express, 12 August 1887) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1887
Latest Locals. (Star, 15 August 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Aug 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 19 August 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
20 Aug 1887
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. [N.Z. PRESS ASSOCIATION.] INTERPROVINCIAL. (West Coast Times, 20 August 1887) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Aug 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 8 (Star, 20 August 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1887
Untitled (Hawke's Bay Herald, 01 September 1887) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Sept 1887
TURF GOSSIP. (Auckland Star, 03 September 1887) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Sept 1887
Christchurch South. (Star, 06 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Sept 1887
Local & General. (Star, 14 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
17 Sept 1887
TURF GOSSIP. (Auckland Star, 17 September 1887) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1887
SPORTING NEWS. (Otago Witness, 23 September 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Sept 1887
THE OTAGO TOUR OF 1887. (Otago Witness, 23 September 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Sept 1887
MOTION ITEMS. (Star, 23 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1887
FOOTBALL. (Otago Daily Times, 24 September 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Sept 1887
Christchurch South. (Star, 29 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Oct 1887
West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1887. (West Coast Times, 17 October 1887) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Oct 1887
NOTES BY BEACON. (Otago Witness, 21 October 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Oct 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Grey River Argus, 24 October 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Nov 1887
COMMERCIAL. (Otago Daily Times, 02 November 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Nov 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 9 (Otago Daily Times, 07 November 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Nov 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Hawke's Bay Herald, 07 November 1887) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Nov 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 7 (Southland Times, 08 November 1887) Southland Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Nov 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 11 November 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Nov 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 23 November 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Nov 1887
The Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1887. (Inangahua Times, 23 November 1887) Inangahua Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 6 (Grey River Argus, 24 November 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1887
AUSTRALIA." (Evening Post, 24 November 1887) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 24 November 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Nov 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Grey River Argus, 26 November 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Nov 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Grey River Argus, 29 November 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Dec 1887
OTAGO A. & P. SOCIETY'S SHOW. (Otago Witness, 02 December 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
3 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 (Grey River Argus, 03 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Grey River Argus, 13 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Grey River Argus, 16 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Grey River Argus, 17 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Grey River Argus, 19 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Grey River Argus, 22 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Dec 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Grey River Argus, 23 December 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Dec 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 8 (Star, 24 December 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Dec 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 27 December 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jan 1888
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. (Marlborough Express, 05 January 1888) Marlborough Express · 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.

“Colony”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch