Local History
Explore local history - the people and places of Ōtautahi.
Featured
Christchurch Streets and Places
Discover the history and origins of Ōtautahi streets. NEW: the map now connects to Canterbury Stories images of 1,400 Christchurch streets.
Christchurch Streets and Places
Discover the history and origins of Ōtautahi streets. NEW: the map now connects to Canterbury Stories images of 1,400 Christchurch streets.
Popular resources
Popular resources
Wars and conflicts
Explore information on wars and conflicts New Zealand has been involved in.
Poster collection: Rock music
Local band posters digitised from the libraries' ephemera collection.
He Kohinga Pūranga / Archives
Located on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2 of Tūranga the Archives are a rich collection of primary sources on the city’s history.
Wars and conflicts
Explore information on wars and conflicts New Zealand has been involved in.
Poster collection: Rock music
Local band posters digitised from the libraries' ephemera collection.
He Kohinga Pūranga / Archives
Located on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2 of Tūranga the Archives are a rich collection of primary sources on the city’s history.
John Britten: Picturing Canterbury
Born in Christchurch in 1950, John Britten found fame as the designer of motorcycles. The Britten Museum opened Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Couloir Peak and Cameron Glacier: Picturing Canterbury
The Cameron River valley, Couloir Peak, and Cameron Glacier as seen from Ōtūroto Lake Heron, 2008. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Cousin’s Christmas photo with Santa Claus
Cousins Barbara Carswell and Winifred Boyd with Santa Claus at Beaths Toyland, 1953. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Christmas tree in ChristChurch Cathedral
Rescuing the Christmas tree in ChristChurch Cathedral after it toppled over whilst being installed, 1983. An image from Canterbury Stories.
John Britten: Picturing Canterbury
Born in Christchurch in 1950, John Britten found fame as the designer of motorcycles. The Britten Museum opened Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Couloir Peak and Cameron Glacier: Picturing Canterbury
The Cameron River valley, Couloir Peak, and Cameron Glacier as seen from Ōtūroto Lake Heron, 2008. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Cousin’s Christmas photo with Santa Claus
Cousins Barbara Carswell and Winifred Boyd with Santa Claus at Beaths Toyland, 1953. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Christmas tree in ChristChurch Cathedral
Rescuing the Christmas tree in ChristChurch Cathedral after it toppled over whilst being installed, 1983. An image from Canterbury Stories.
QUIZ: Directories
A directory is an index or list of individuals and/or organisations that also includes contact details. Great for local history research.
QUIZ: Places and events
Can you answer these questions about the spaces used for local events?
QUIZ: Cricket
Summertime is cricket time. Cricket has a long history in Ōtautahi Christchurch. We have eleven Canterbury cricket questions for you!
QUIZ: Cinemas and Theatres
Test your local history knowledge with our quiz on the cinemas and theatres of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
QUIZ: Directories
A directory is an index or list of individuals and/or organisations that also includes contact details. Great for local history research.
QUIZ: Places and events
Can you answer these questions about the spaces used for local events?
QUIZ: Cricket
Summertime is cricket time. Cricket has a long history in Ōtautahi Christchurch. We have eleven Canterbury cricket questions for you!
QUIZ: Cinemas and Theatres
Test your local history knowledge with our quiz on the cinemas and theatres of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
1974 Commonwealth Games
So Many Stories: 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games: Pt 1
Hear from the folks who made the 1974 Commonwealth Games happen, from security guards to drivers, to committee members and media.
Xth British Commonwealth Games 1974
The 1974 Commonwealth Games were known as the Friendly Games. They took place in Christchurch from 24 January to 2 February 1974.
So Many Stories: 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games: Pt 2
A special episode includes memories from athletes, organisers and staff who were central to the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
QUIZ: Directories
A directory is an index or list of individuals and/or organisations that also includes contact details. Great for local history research.
John Britten: Picturing Canterbury
Born in Christchurch in 1950, John Britten found fame as the designer of motorcycles. The Britten Museum opened Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Controversy over road tolls not just an issue for today
We look at the history of toll-bars in Christchurch; blocking free access to grazing land in Papanui, the Lyttelton road tunnel, or the pub!
Christchurch Streets Map
Find the origins of many of our Christchurch streets and places with Christchurch Streets Map.
QUIZ: Directories
A directory is an index or list of individuals and/or organisations that also includes contact details. Great for local history research.
John Britten: Picturing Canterbury
Born in Christchurch in 1950, John Britten found fame as the designer of motorcycles. The Britten Museum opened Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Controversy over road tolls not just an issue for today
We look at the history of toll-bars in Christchurch; blocking free access to grazing land in Papanui, the Lyttelton road tunnel, or the pub!
Christchurch Streets Map
Find the origins of many of our Christchurch streets and places with Christchurch Streets Map.