Early Canterbury History

By albertahall
  • Early European Contact

    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

    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 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 in Christchurch

    First shop opened by George Gould
  • Christchurch Hospital Opened

    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

    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

    Lyttleton Tunnel Opened

    The Lyttleton Tunnel became New Zealand's first rail tunnel.
  • Canterbury Museum built

    Canterbury Museum built

    The Canterbury Museum was designed by Benjamin Mountfort and built in 1870.
  • Steam trams began operation

    Steam trams began operation

    Steam trams began operation from Cathedral Square to the railway station.
  • First telephone exchange

    First telephone exchange

    First telephone exchange in New Zealand opened in Christchurch.
  • First New Brighton pier opened

    First New Brighton pier opened

    First pier opened at New Brighton.
  • Canterbury celebrated its jubilee

    Canterbury celebrated its jubilee

    Canterbury celebrated it's 50th anniversary.