Canterbury Photography Museum

28/04/2026

We have been very busy at the Museum lately, especially with the generous donations we continue to receive.

One recent addition to our collection is a remarkable collection from the estate of Florence Jean Sewell. This donation includes a large number of amateur 35mm slides dating back to the 1960s/70s, offering a unique glimpse into everyday life and New Zealand at the time.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of 'Kiwi Gaming Foundation Ltd", whose funding is helping us digitise this collection and many others. Their contribution ensures these images are preserved and made accessible for everyone.

If you have photographic material you would like to donate, we would love to hear from you. Donations of photos, albums, cameras, film and any related items all help us to continue preserving New Zealand's visual history.

Get in touch with us via email at: [email protected]

18/02/2026

We are so proud of all the amazing work being done in our Moving Image Collection 🎥📸🎬

As our displays continue to grow and improve, we’re excited to share this evolving collection with our community.

Make sure you come on down to Ferrymead Heritage Park to explore our collection including our functional 35mm Westar Projector in our mini cinema. 🍿🎞

A special Thank You to Pub Charity Limited for their support in helping fund the installation of sprinklers, ensuring we meet compliance requirements and keep our collection safe.

09/12/2025

It just incredible the work Rewa Rendall is doing down at the Kinsey Cottage at Ferrymead Heritage Park.

She is constantly uncovering and capturing the stories that wander through Kinsey’s Den. The kind of stories that keep Kinsey’s story and history alive.

If you’ve never stepped into this space, this weekend is the perfect time. Come see the magic for yourself.

23/11/2025

We’re so proud to be featured in The Press this weekend. A huge thank you to Mark Walton for spending time with us, seeing the work we do, and telling our story so beautifully.

Check out the article, and please feel free to share it around!

If you or anyone you know has any old family photos, albums, cameras or any photographic material that is looking for a new home please email us at: [email protected]

A group of passionate volunteers are rescuing, cataloguing and sharing Christchurch’s visual history - one image, album and camera at a time.

25/04/2024

The ship `Showa Maru', 1953 - 1964, photographed by Christchurch Star-Sun Photographer Stan Mackay.

22/04/2024

The British Virtue 1945-1962

More amazing ship and Lyttelton photo collections available at: https://ehive.com/collections/204221/canterbury-photography-museum

13/04/2024

The HINEMOA

It was one of the first passenger ships built in Britain after the conclusion of hostilities.

More amazing ship and Lyttelton photo collections available at: https://ehive.com/collections/204221/canterbury-photography-museum

11/04/2024

Take a look at this stunning aerial view of Lyttelton Port!
Visible are the Patent Slip, the dry (Graving) dock, Plume petroleum storage tanks, moored pleasure craft, the fishing wharf, and stores. Behind the obvious is the New Zealand Shipping Company bulk store, and to the right of that is the Lyttelton Harbour Board Grain Store.
Can you spot the changes since then?

09/04/2024

Lyttelton Rail Tunnel Construction

Building a 2km tunnel back in the 1960s wasn't an easy feat.

Got any stories to share from the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel construction? Comment below! Don't forget to check out more amazing collections available at: https://ehive.com/collections/204221/canterbury-photography-museum

07/04/2024

As a landing point for Christchurch-bound seafarers, Lyttelton has historically been regarded as the "Gateway to Canterbury" for early settlers and explorers

Join us in the coming days as we unveil some incredible negative collections showcasing the importance of Lyttelton. Stay tuned for fascinating discoveries！