In the same year, the Temuka Volunteer Rifles were raised and it is from this corps that a continuous line of service begins.

Over the course of the late 19th century, a number of other South Canterbury volunteer corps were raised.

The Battalion was subsequently awarded the battle honour "South Africa 1900-1902".

At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, the decision was made to form a New Zealand infantry brigade of four battalions from the existing territorial regiments.

The Canterbury Infantry Regiment would see action on the western front, engaging in the battles of the Somme, Messines, Broodseinde, Passchendaele, German Spring Offensive and the Hundred Days' Offensive.