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.

“The Well”, the shelf

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

17,658 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
13 Aug 1886
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. (Otago Daily Times, 13 August 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Aug 1886
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 14 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
14 Aug 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Evening Post, 14 August 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Aug 1886
Our Volunteers. (Star, 14 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Aug 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 16 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Aug 1886
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 18 August 1886) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Aug 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 18 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Aug 1886
VITAL STATISTICS. (Evening Post, 20 August 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Aug 1886
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM. (Evening Post, 24 August 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Aug 1886
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL. (Evening Post, 26 August 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Aug 1886
Untitled (Daily Telegraph, 27 August 1886) Daily Telegraph · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
27 Aug 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 27 August 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Aug 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 27 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Aug 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 28 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Aug 1886
THE PROGRESS OF THE CITY OF AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, AND ITS PROSPECTS. (Waikato Times, 28 August 1886) Waikato Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Aug 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 8 (Star, 28 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 01 September 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Sept 1886
CHRISTCHURCH. (Thames Star, 02 September 1886) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1886
The Belfast Chemical Manure Works. (Star, 09 September 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Sept 1886
The Star. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1886. THE NEW BRIGHTON TRAMWAY. (Star, 10 September 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Sept 1886
Page 20 Advertisements Column 3 (Otago Witness, 10 September 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Sept 1886
Cycling. (Star, 15 September 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Sept 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Timaru Herald, 16 September 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Sept 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Timaru Herald, 17 September 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Sept 1886
RAHOTU. (Taranaki Herald, 17 September 1886) Taranaki Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1886
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. (New Zealand Tablet, 24 September 1886) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1886
Phillipstown Church.; (Star, 24 September 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1886
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Evening Post, 24 September 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1886
LEAVES FROM LETTERS BY W. A. MURRAY. (Clutha Leader, 24 September 1886) Clutha Leader · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Oct 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 01 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
1 Oct 1886
SPORTING NEWS. The following are the weights for the TAPANUI HANDICAP. NEW ZEALAND OUP. SPRING HANDICAP. PARK STAKES HANDICAP. OTAHUHU RACES. MAIDEN PLATE. CANTERBURY SPORTING NOTES. CHRISTCHURCH BETTING.-Wednesday. SPORTING NOTES FROM NEW SOUTH WALES. (Otago Witness, 01 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Oct 1886
THE §tq likr Jrps, PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, OCTOBER 4,1886. (Grey River Argus, 04 October 1886) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Oct 1886
Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. (Star, 04 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Oct 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 05 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Oct 1886
ALLEGED FORGERY. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 05 October 1886) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Oct 1886
MINING. (Otago Witness, 08 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Oct 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL (Otago Witness, 08 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Oct 1886
The Late Captain Gain (Feilding Star, 12 October 1886) Feilding Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Oct 1886
Untitled (Poverty Bay Herald, 19 October 1886) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
20 Oct 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 20 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Oct 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 20 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Oct 1886
OUR LONDON LETTER. (Star, 21 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Oct 1886
TURF GOSSIP. (Auckland Star, 23 October 1886) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Oct 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 26 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Oct 1886
The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1886. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 26 October 1886) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Oct 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 29 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 4 places
29 Oct 1886
Untitled (West Coast Times, 29 October 1886) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
1 Nov 1886
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COVET. (Timaru Herald, 01 November 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 02 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Nov 1886
CHRISTCHURCH TRAINING NOTES. Christchurch, This Day. (Evening Post, 02 November 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 03 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
3 Nov 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 03 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Nov 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 03 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Nov 1886
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 04 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
6 Nov 1886
Local & General, (Star, 06 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Nov 1886
Latest Locals. (Star, 08 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Nov 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 12 November 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Nov 1886
SENIOR CUP MATCHES. (Otago Witness, 12 November 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 13 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 16 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
17 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 17 November 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Nov 1886
The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. (Waikato Times, 18 November 1886) Waikato Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Nov 1886
NOTES BY BEACON. (Otago Witness, 19 November 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Nov 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 20 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Nov 1886
Untitled (Evening Post, 23 November 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Nov 1886
MARRIAGES. (Otago Daily Times, 23 November 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1886
BIRTHS. (Star, 24 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1886
The Otago Daily Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1886. (Otago Daily Times, 24 November 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Nov 1886
Untitled (Evening Post, 26 November 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Nov 1886
THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1886. (Otago Daily Times, 27 November 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Nov 1886
The Timaru Herald. NOVEMBER 27, 1886. (Timaru Herald, 27 November 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 30 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Dec 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 03 December 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 04 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
7 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 07 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Dec 1886
NOTES BY BEACON (Otago Witness, 10 December 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Dec 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 10 December 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 11 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
11 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 11 December 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Dec 1886
Local & General. (Star, 13 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Dec 1886
The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1886. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 14 December 1886) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 20 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 22 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Dec 1886
CHRISTCHURCH. (Timaru Herald, 22 December 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 23 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Dec 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 23 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Dec 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 24 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
24 Dec 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 24 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Dec 1886
LYTTELTON. (Star, 27 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 29 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Dec 1886
MIDLAND v. GRANGE. (Star, 29 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Dec 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 29 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Dec 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 30 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Dec 1886
CHRISTCHURCH. (Timaru Herald, 30 December 1886) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jan 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 05 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jan 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 07 January 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 08 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jan 1887
LAST NIGHT'S TELEGRAMS. (Nelson Evening Mail, 08 January 1887) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jan 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 10 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
12 Jan 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 12 January 1887) 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