Cemetery records are held in a number of different places, including the Council Archives, Christchurch City Libraries and the National Archives.
Cemeteries database
Search our Cemeteries Database(external link).
This database includes interments from the following cemeteries: Addington, Akaroa Anglican, Akaroa Catholic, Akaroa Dissenters, Avonhead, Barbadoes Street, Belfast, Bromley, Diamond Harbour, Duvauchelle, Kaituna, Le Bons Bay, Linwood, Little River, Lyttelton Anglican, Lyttelton Catholic, Lyttelton Public, Lyttelton RSA, Memorial Park, Pigeon Bay, Port Levy (St Pauls Anglican), Ruru Lawn, Rutherford, Sydenham, Waimairi, Wainui, and Yaldhurst.
Cemetery records
Genealogical information and information about the historic Barbadoes Street, Addington and Rutherford cemeteries is available from the Central Library, National Archives and the Christchurch City Council Archives.
The Christchurch City Libraries(external link) hold many records on microfiche (including church records) and are able to undertake genealogical searches. No records are held relating to private or church cemeteries. Christchurch City Libraries can also assist with queries regarding local burials and have a range of cemetery guides.
Plot maps for some cemeteries are available on the Libraries Canterbury Stories website(external link). Plans are held for Barbadoes, Bromley, Linwood, Ruru Lawn and Sydenham Cemeteries.
Christchurch City Council Archives
Some of the original cemetery records are held by Christchurch City Council Archives. Please search the Cemeteries Database(external link) or resources held by Christchurch City Libraries(external link) before requesting information from Christchurch City Council Archives.
Information includes:
- CCC ARC 400 Christchurch Cemetery Records [PDF, 124 KB]
- CH430 Mayors, Councillors, Cemetery Plans [PDF, 209 KB]
Public search sites
If searching for images of graves or headstones please refer to these sites:
- Billion Graves(external link). You do not have to register to search and view records. Select Research then Person Search.
- Find a Grave(external link). You do not have to register to search and view records.
If searching for historical information about family, the Papers Past website(external link) can provide useful newspaper birth, death, obituary notices and other interesting information published up to 1950.