How many records does the archive hold?

80,797 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.

“The Well”, the shelf

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

16,364 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 1870s
20 May 1876
Untitled (Otago Witness, 20 May 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1876
West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 22, 1876. (West Coast Times, 22 May 1876) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
5 Jun 1876
SOCIAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Daily Times, 05 June 1876) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Jun 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 09 June 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jun 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 10 June 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jun 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 17 June 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jun 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 22 June 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jun 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 24 June 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jul 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 08 July 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jul 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 13 July 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jul 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 15 July 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 17 July 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jul 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 27 July 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 01 August 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1876
WAIMATE ROAD BOAED. (Timaru Herald, 02 August 1876) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
3 Aug 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 03 August 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Aug 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 05 August 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Aug 1876
The General Assembly. (Otago Witness, 12 August 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
12 Aug 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 12 August 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Aug 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 19 August 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Aug 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 26 August 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1876
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Otago Daily Times, 29 August 1876) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 29 August 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Aug 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 31 August 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1876
Untitled (Star, 01 September 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Sept 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 02 September 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Sept 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 02 September 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1876
West Coast Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1876. (West Coast Times, 05 September 1876) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1876
AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS. (Timaru Herald, 05 September 1876) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Sept 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 06 September 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 07 September 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1876
Page 8 Advertisements Column 2 (Marlborough Express, 09 September 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Sept 1876
A SINGULAR CASE. (Marlborough Express, 20 September 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
21 Sept 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 21 September 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Oct 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 02 October 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Oct 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 05 October 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Oct 1876
West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1876 (West Coast Times, 13 October 1876) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Oct 1876
Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Daily Southern Cross, 17 October 1876) Daily Southern Cross · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Oct 1876
Odds and Ends. (Otago Witness, 21 October 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Nov 1876
Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1876. (Nelson Evening Mail, 03 November 1876) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Nov 1876
News of the Week. (Otago Witness, 11 November 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
11 Nov 1876
CANTERBURY METROPOLITAN MEETING. (Otago Daily Times, 11 November 1876) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Nov 1876
CHRISTCHURCH RACES. (Timaru Herald, 11 November 1876) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Nov 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 14 November 1876) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Nov 1876
Untitled (Auckland Star, 14 November 1876) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Nov 1876
Page 2 Advertisements Column 4 (Timaru Herald, 16 November 1876) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Nov 1876
Untitled (Auckland Star, 17 November 1876) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Nov 1876
Sporting. (Otago Witness, 18 November 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Nov 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 November 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Nov 1876
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Timaru Herald, 28 November 1876) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Nov 1876
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 29 November 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Nov 1876
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Otago Daily Times, 29 November 1876) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Nov 1876
Untitled (Marlborough Express, 29 November 1876) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Nov 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 30 November 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Dec 1876
LATE NEWS ITEMS. (Colonist, 09 December 1876) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Dec 1876
SUPREME COURT. (Timaru Herald, 13 December 1876) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Dec 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 21 December 1876) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Dec 1876
News of the Week. (Otago Witness, 23 December 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Dec 1876
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 29 December 1876) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Dec 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 29 December 1876) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Dec 1876
CHRISTCHURCH. (Otago Witness, 30 December 1876) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jan 1877
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 05 January 1877) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jan 1877
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 05 January 1877) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jan 1877
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 06 January 1877) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jan 1877
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 10 January 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jan 1877
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 12 January 1877) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jan 1877
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 13 January 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jan 1877
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 16 January 1877) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jan 1877
SOCIAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Daily Times, 17 January 1877) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jan 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 22 January 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Jan 1877
THE TRADE OF OUR PORT. (Colonist, 23 January 1877) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Jan 1877
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 January 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Jan 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 23 January 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Timaru Herald, 24 January 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Jan 1877
Untitled (Auckland Star, 25 January 1877) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Jan 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Timaru Herald, 25 January 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jan 1877
News of the Week. (Otago Witness, 27 January 1877) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
30 Jan 1877
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 30 January 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Jan 1877
CANTERBURY ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. (Star, 31 January 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Feb 1877
Evening Post. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1877. (Evening Post, 01 February 1877) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Feb 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Timaru Herald, 02 February 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Feb 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Timaru Herald, 03 February 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Feb 1877
Odds and Ends. (Otago Witness, 03 February 1877) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Feb 1877
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 06 February 1877) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Feb 1877
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 February 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Feb 1877
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 13 February 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Feb 1877
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 16 February 1877) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Feb 1877
News of the Week. (Otago Witness, 17 February 1877) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
17 Feb 1877
PUPIL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION. (Star, 17 February 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Feb 1877
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 20 February 1877) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Feb 1877
Untitled (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 23 February 1877) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Feb 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Timaru Herald, 26 February 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Feb 1877
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Timaru Herald, 27 February 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Mar 1877
THE PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, MARCH 5, 1877. (Grey River Argus, 05 March 1877) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Mar 1877
Untitled (Colonist, 08 March 1877) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Mar 1877
Christchurch. (Bruce Herald, 09 March 1877) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Mar 1877
West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 12, 1877. (West Coast Times, 12 March 1877) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Mar 1877
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 14 March 1877) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Mar 1877
Evening Post. MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1877. (Evening Post, 19 March 1877) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Mar 1877
THE DRAINAGE QUESTION. (Star, 23 March 1877) Star · 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.

“The Well”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch