| Summary: | This paper collates in chronological order of expeditions, much of the primary and secondary source material available in Christchurch on Shackleton’s connections with Canterbury. Shackleton spent time in Christchurch on five occasions: before and after the Discovery Expedition, 1901, and 1903, before and after the Nimrod Expedition, 1907 and 1909, and after the rescue of the Ross Sea Party in 1917. This paper collates information on banquets, receptions and concerts given for Shackleton by Christchurch and Lyttelton citizens, and organisations. It explains various types of support given to Shackleton, both financial and practical. It also looks at significant connections that Shackleton made with Canterbury families such as the Tripp family of Orari Gorge Station, and the Saunders family of Lyttelton. Shackleton’s contributions to Christchurch are also described, in particular, his public lectures and financial donations. The paper gives evidence of the enormous public interest in Shackleton’s endeavours, in terms of numbers of people who turned out to farewell him, who visited his ships while they were berthed at Lyttelton, and who attended his public lectures. It concludes by briefly looking at how Shackleton was able to make use of the contacts he made, and the resources of Canterbury, and at the way the local residents showed their support for him.
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