Sets

The statue of John Robert Godley, who served as the Resident Chief Agent for the Canterbury Association, stands in Cathedral Square and was unveiled in 1867.

Kapa Haka is a term for the modern day performance of traditional and contemporary adaptations of Māori waiata, mōteatea, poi and haka. Explore a selection of photographs from our collection showcasing performances held in Ōtautahi-Christchurch.

Explore a selection of photographs from across the decades in our collection and relive your Christchurch school days, from hand bells to sitting on the mat. Do you recognise any classmates in the photographs?

The Teachers College in Christchurch originally operated from the Normal School at the corner of Montreal and Kilmore Streets from 1873. They eventually required their own site and the foundation stone was laid in 1924 on the corner of Montreal and Peterborough Streets and the Post Primary Department took over this building.

By the 1960s these sites were becoming overcrowded and out dated. It was decided to relocate to Ilam and the new Teachers College opened 50 years ago on April 22 1970. This was initially just the Secondary Division with the Primary Division remaining in town until the late 1970s when the rest of the Ilam site was completed.

Can you believe that 1970 is now half a century ago? Explore some of what was happening 50 years ago through our collection.

Be inspired by some activities captured in our digital heritage collection that you could attempt with your bubble during our Lockdown.

Wedding photographs are family treasures, passed down through the generations. Explore this selection of photographs from our collection that showcase the diverse ways in which people celebrate love in our city.

Situated on the northern shores of Whakaraupō, Ōhinehou was originally a Māori settlement. After being recognised as an official port, Lyttelton, by the Canterbury Association in 1849, it became the gateway to Christchurch and the wider Canterbury province for ocean going settlers. It continues to play a significant role in shipping and tourism for the region.

Do you recognise anyone in the photographs? Do you have any stories about the locations or events? If you are too young, perhaps you can ask someone else who might remember the scenes depicted in this selection of photographs from our collection. Share with your family and friends to encourage discussions about your memories.

Established in 1920, the Municipal Electricity Department took over the regulation of the city's electricity from the former Christchurch City Council Electricity Department. The organisation was known for its Modernist building on the corner of Manchester Street and Armagh Street.

Remember that band from your high school? You might find them here in this selection of photographs from our collection. Christchurch has produced many musicians, including some who turned their passion into a career. For those of us who are tone deaf but still enjoy listening to music, you might find the store where you used to purchase your albums.

For many, the beachfront suburb of New Brighton holds memories of having the only shopping centre in Christchurch that was open on a Saturday. With its iconic pier and hot water pool facility, the suburb is still a place where the people of Christchurch come to surf, swim, fish, or simply enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

Ōtākaro meanders its way from a spring source in Avonhead in the West, through Ilam, Riccarton, Fendalton and Hagley Park, through the city then through Avonside, Dallington, Avondale and Aranui in the East and then out to sea via the estuary. The river has been a source of mahinga kai for Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu and a place for recreation.

Although founded as an Anglican settlement, with the cathedral at its heart, the arrival of new migrants with differing faiths led to the establishment of various religious institutions throughout Christchurch. Explore a selection of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith centres in the city.

The carefree days of childhood, from the school playground to the park. In this set, explore a selection of photographs that will take you back to the era of unpadded trampolines, rope bridges, and sandpits. Then fast forward to the present day where the Margaret Mahy Playground combines action with safety.

Where ever you are in Christchurch, the Port Hills are always visible. Once a barrier to human movement, they are now the site of biking trails, walking tracks, scenic drives and other leisure activities. Explore a selection of photographs that cover a range of decades and seasons, from the snow of winter to Spring lambs and sunsets.

Need to know the time? You can never be late in a city full of public clocks. Explore a selection of photographs of prominent clocks in Christchurch. Sadly, some were lost in the earthquakes, but others have thankfully been restored.

The bronze statue of Queen Victoria, situated in Victoria Square, was designed by Francis John Williamson and unveiled in 1903. The plinth upon which the statue stands commemorates the founding of the Canterbury settlement and the soldiers who served in the South African War.

The statue of Robert Falcon Scott overlooking Worcester Street commemorates the British explorer who died in Antarctica in 1912 while returning from the South Pole. It was carved by his wife Kathleen Scott and unveiled in 1917. The statue was damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes but has since been repaired.

Rugby was only a newly devised sport when it first arrived in Canterbury, but that did not stop it from becoming a prominent part of the cultural fabric of life in the region. Today, Canterbury is often associated with the iconic team, the Crusaders.

Sheep farming has played an important role in the development of Christchurch and the Canterbury province. Today, one still doesn't need to drive too far outside of the central city before encountering them!

Designed by Samuel Hurst Seager, and built 1916-1917, the Sign of the Kiwi is one of the rest houses constructed as part of Harry Ell’s Summit Road vision. With views of the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch city, the building has remained a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Built between 1918 and 1948 in the neo-Gothic style, the Sign of the Takahe is the largest of the rest houses constructed as part of Harry Ell's vision of a Summit Road. Explore a selection of photographs of this majestic building from our collection.

From city founders to explorers, Christchurch has a range of historic statutes, some carved locally, others internationally. Explore a selection of photographs depicting the statues that can be found throughout the city.