Local History
Explore local history - the people and places of Ōtautahi.
Christchurch Photo Hunt: 1 to 31 October 2024
The annual Christchurch Photo Hunt is on until 31 October. Share your photos old and new - and win Riverside Market vouchers!
House of Treasures Te Whare Taonga: Canterbury Museum, part of a series
This exhibition presents five of treasures from the museum, ranging from a moa skull to a Samoan tatau chisel, and a digital display.
Women of the Wheel: Past and Present Exhibition, part of a series
Discover the history of women's cycling in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 1890 to now at this exhibition running 24 August to 24 November 2024.
Tickets Please! The history of trams in Christchurch, part of a series
An exhibition celebrating the history of trams in Christchurch. In association with the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024.
Featured
Tī Kōuka Whenua
Explore the vibrant past of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region that extends back many hundreds of years before 1850.
Family history eResources
Explore online resources for researching family history and genealogy.
Christchurch Streets and Places
Explore the origins of street names via searchable documents or the interactive Christchurch streets map.
Canterbury Stories
Online collections from our digitised archives, publications, & photographs. Includes Photo Hunt images, exhibitions, image sets, & more.
Popular resources
Popular resources
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.
Digital maps
This is a collection of digital images of historical maps. The maps focus mostly on Christchurch and Canterbury.
Acrobatics on sheep sculptures, FESTA: Picturing Canterbury
Impromptu acrobatics on sheep sculptures during the FEStival of Transitional Architecture, 2014. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Anime Cafe Staff at Japan Day 2012: Picturing Canterbury
Five people in maid outfits onstage at Japan Day advertising an anime cafe, 2012. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Zarine Malik and David Lange: Picturing Canterbury
Zarine Malik speaking with David Lange at the opening of Gandhi: A Photographic Exhibition held at the Canterbury Museum.
Cowles Stadium lil ceaser bboy event: Picturing Canterbury
Event at Cowles Stadium organised by Richie Mills, former YCD staff. About 2000. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Discover Canterbury: For the Love of Music!
Gabrielle Heath's 2023 Photo Hunt entry shows a group of accordion players. Donate your photos this month to win Riverside Market vouchers!
Discover Canterbury: For the Love of Arts and Crafts!
Some examples of the numerous photographs depicting people’s love for arts and crafts that we have received for Christchurch Photo Hunt.
Discover Canterbury: For the Love of Sport!
Check out this gem donated by Gabrielle Heath during Photo Hunt showing Judy Clancy roller skating. You can share your photos and win!
QUIZ: Active Heritage - Sports, Recreation and Leisure
Test your knowledge of local sporting and leisure facts of an bygone era in our active heritage quiz.
QUIZ: Spring
Ah, spring – the season of pretty flowers and blossom, baby animals and sometimes extreme weather!
QUIZ: Chinese in Aotearoa New Zealand
This month's quiz highlights the history of Chinese people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
QUIZ: School holidays
Test yourself on some education and schooling facts in time for school holidays.
1974 Commonwealth Games
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 1
Hear from the folks who made the 1974 Commonwealth Games happen, from security guards to drivers, to committee members and media.
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.