On August 14 1868 at 10:15 am (Chatham Islands local date and time), a large-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Arica, near the Chile-Peru border. The earthquake generated a large tsunami that was observed throughout the Pacific region. As…
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We come now to a time of anticipation and intense interest for all, viz., the advent of the “Canterbury Pilgrims.” We may surely designate by the name of “Pilgrim Fathers” those few who braved the untried country, and by their…
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The Canterbury Provincial Council began considering possible routes for a rail link between the township of Christchurch and the port of Lyttelton about 1853. The idea was shelved because of the cost involved until 1858 when the superintendent, William Sefton…
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Grubb Cottage, 62 London Street, Lyttelton. Built in 1851, the cottage is the oldest surviving domestic dwelling in Lyttelton and one of the earliest in Canterbury. Historically it was the first section of land sold within New Zealand, and not pre…
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CANTABRIANS are familiar with observing Canterbury Anniversary on Show Weekend each year, coinciding with the agricultural and pastoral show which has been running since 1862. However, that observance (the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November) has only been…
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Great to read that Lyttelton Harbour is be the site of SailGP event next January. To have a sailing regatta return to the Peninsula is wonderful news. Years ago Canterbury Anniversary Day (Dec 16th) was celebrated in this way as…
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Fabulous Day today to celebrate Canterbury Anniversary Day and the Arrival of The First Four Ships. St Saviours Holy Trinity Bells rang out across Lyttelton at 10am today, first time since the 2010-2011 Earthquakes. Those with very acute hearing thought…
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On Sunday 30th August 2020 a dedication of the Mariners Bell Tower on the grounds of St Saviours at Holy Trinity, Westminster St, Lyttelton was held. In attendance was the family of the late Captain John Cleaver who instigated the…
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On 15 April 2018, a hardy group of 14 enjoyed a great outing to Stoddarts Cottage in Diamond Harbour. After an exhilarating and adventurous crossing on the Ferry, (the wind picked up a bit making us mindful of the journeys…
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