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Early European Contact
On the 16th of February 1770, Captain James Cook first sighted Banks Peninsula but thought it was an island so named it Banks Island. -
First European Settlement
Captain William Rhodes first visited in 1836. He came back in 1839 and landed a herd of 50 cattle near Akaroa. -
The first Four Ships
The ships stayed in the port at Lyttelton for several weeks while goods were unloaded. -
First Shop opened in Christchurch
First shop opened by George Gould -
Christchurch Hospital Opened
Christchurch Hospital Opened and New Zealand’s first medical association was founded by Christchurch doctors in 1865. -
Christchurch becomes a Municipal District
In 1862 Christchurch was made a municipal district, and John Hall elected the first chairman of the Municipal Council. This council introduced street lighting in June 1862, and sank the first water well in February 1864. -
Lyttleton Tunnel Opened
The Lyttleton Tunnel became New Zealand's first rail tunnel. -
Canterbury Museum built
The Canterbury Museum was designed by Benjamin Mountfort and built in 1870. -
Steam trams began operation
Steam trams began operation from Cathedral Square to the railway station. -
First telephone exchange
First telephone exchange in New Zealand opened in Christchurch. -
First New Brighton pier opened
First pier opened at New Brighton. -
Canterbury celebrated its jubilee
Canterbury celebrated it's 50th anniversary.
