After arrival by sea in Lyttelton Harbour, early settlers had to cross the Port Hills via the Bridle Path to reach Christchurch or the Canterbury Plains.

The first two of the ships, the Charlotte Jane and the Randolph, both arrived on 16 December 1850 and this is regarded as the beginning of organised settlement for Canterbury.

Trent pointed out that women in the other main centres of Wellington, Auckland, and Dunedin had already formed committees for the establishment of centenary memorials.

The Canterbury Progress League welcomed the proposal and cancelled its own ideas for a memorial, giving their full support to the women's branch.

The inscription on the foundation stone reads:[9]Centennial memorialto the pioneer womenof CanterburyThis tablet was unveiled byLilian Priscilla Wakefieldgranddaughter of Edward Gibbon Wakefield16th December, 1939The formal opening of the Canterbury Pioneer Women's Memorial was held one year later on 14 December 1940.

With the 90th anniversary of the arrival of the first two ships falling on a Monday, the ceremony was held two days earlier so that people could attend.

[11] Whilst Gurnsey is a noted carver, the mural at the Canterbury Pioneer Women's Memorial is not regarded as a success.

[11] The Canterbury Pioneer Women's Memorial is located at the top of the Bridle Path and adjacent to the Summit Road.

Access is via the Bridle Path (walking or mountain biking) or via the top station of the nearby Christchurch Gondola.