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Colonial cartography

We hold early survey maps dating from approximately 1840–1880. These are fascinating objects displaying the skill and artistry of the surveyors and draughtsmen. An increasing number of the Canterbury, Westland, Nelson and Marlborough Land District maps are now available to view online. This is thanks to a project led by Land Information New Zealand, with Ngāi Tahu, Environment Canterbury and our staff in Christchurch.

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Early survey parties were deployed to identify favourable European settlement sites and to enable the legal purchase and sale of land. The surveyors explored the country with the assistance of Māori guides, marking trig points to take measurements from, and entering data and observations in their field books for later mapping. The surveyors gathered their data using various instruments including a theodolite to measure angles.

The maps document the landscape prior to large-scale European settlement. They show rivers, vegetation, disused tracks and place names, along with cadastral information (the legal description, boundaries and area of land parcels). Continued annotations in the working life of the maps mean that some roads, railway lines and names of first purchasers or lessees may also be found. 

The digitised maps can be found on Archway. Choose ‘advanced search’ and then enter the relevant series number (23142 for Canterbury, 23143 for Marlborough, 23144 for Nelson, or 23145 for Westland). To navigate around a map with your mouse, set the image to full screen view using the button on the left of the zoom buttons. 

Cropped version of a map

Portion of the map SO [Survey Office]. Plan of the Valley of the Moutere c. 1860

Reference: CH1031/SO 1048

Portion of hand drawn map showing mountain range.

Portion of the map SO [Survey Office]. Roll 2/115 Topo map South Westland. Arawata river – c.1860

Reference: CH1031/SO 8951

Portion of hand drawn map showing a town by the mouth of a river

Portion of the map SO [Survey Office]. Steeples / Waitakere / Kawatiri / Ohika c.1860

Reference: CH1031/SO 159

Portion of hand drawn map showing sections and a river

Portion of the map SO [Survey Office]. Swyncombe Kaikoura – 1861

Reference: CH1031/SO 2940

Portion of hand drawn map showing sections, mountain range and a river

From the map Magnetic Plan. Sections in Waitohi Valley & North Bank of Wairau R.D – 1843

Reference: CH1031/M 831

Portion of hand drawn map showing river and sections.

Portion of the map Red Map. Parts of Rangiora & Christchurch. 1 mile to 1 inch (1:63360) – 1856

Reference: CH1031/RM 123

Excerpt from a hand sketched map showing mountain ranges, river.

Portion of the map SO [Survey Office]. Roll 2/3 Geological map Stafford R. to Gorge R. – c.1860

Reference: CH1031/SO 8809

Sketch of estuary chart

Portion of the map Red Map. Christchurch. Avon - Heathcote Estuary. Chart. – 1854

Reference: CH1031/RM 181

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