Lyttelton - Christchurch New Zealand information, accommodation and hotel booking, NZ tourism, travel, vacation and holiday information.

Lyttelton

Lyttelton harbour

Any day of the week in Lyttelton offers up a slightly offbeat harbour-side character. A tunnel linking Lyttelton to the heart of Christchurch city means a trip to this busy seaport and scenic destination is only a 15-20 minute drive.

A stroll around the town will introduce you to rich maritime history - Lyttelton was the port of call for Canterbury's 'Four Ships' in the mid 1800s, carrying the bulk of Christchurch's first British migrants. There are plenty of references to the town’s colonial heritage character in carefully restored buildings, and more colourful, bohemian approaches – evidence of the local artisan community. A visit to the Lyttelton Timeball Station is worth every step up the hill for the Neo-Gothic architecture, views and the fascinating Victorian-era history of the Timeball keeping Greenwich time.

Lyttelton cafes

The main street and its surrounds provide you with a quirky coffee and artisan culture by day, fringed by steady seaport activity. By night you'll find music or even poetry in a cafe, bar or the Harbour Light venue. The Wunderbar is an iconic destination for its slightly dark and humourous approach to deco chic, and keep an eye out for posters advertising a subculture of theatre, cabaret and gigs, particularly at the Harbour Lights venue.

A trip to Lyttelton on Saturday morning will find the Farmer's Market in the school grounds buzzing with people enjoying music, and selecting from the area's venison and pork products, cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, free range eggs, great coffee, Belgian chocolate, fudge, fresh bread and pastry vendors. Get down to the docks early for fresh fish off the boat – this is not available year round, so ask a local. In summer it's difficult to go past the General Store's huge icecreams for next-to-nothing...join the queue of locals and visitors waiting for their iconic treat.

Lyttelton marina

Lesser souls fail to appreciate that while one of New Zealand's busiest commercial seaports Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour have plenty to offer in the way of scenic enjoyment and gentle recreation. A short ferry ride across to Governor's Bay for a stroll will take you to pleasant heritage and swimming spots, and cruise options are available for the harbour, across to Quail Island and beyond to Akaroa.


Featured Lyttelton Events

Falling Doves

Falling Doves

Rock Events
Wunderbar, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

Wednesday 17 December 2025

International touring act, The Falling Doves, known for their volatile blend of glam-rock grit and Hollywood edge, will make their long-awaited return to New Zealand this December. The band’s reputation precedes... More...

Isaac Chambers & Dub Princess 2025 Tour (Christchurch)

Isaac Chambers & Dub Princess 2025 Tour (Christchurch)

Dub, Roots Events
The Loons, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

Friday 19 December 2025

Isaac Chambers & Dub Princess are coming back to the Loons Lyttelton! - Support acts from Deep Fried Dub & Byte Size After a sold-out Tour in 2023, Isaac Chambers and Dub Princess return to Aotearoa New... More...

Sawfish with The Beat Skips

Sawfish with The Beat Skips

Electronica Events
Wunderbar, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

Friday 19 December 2025

Dunedin legends The Beat Skips team up with local favourites Sawfish for a pre-Christmas bash guaranteed to get those feet moving The Beat Skips: expect house music beats coupled with jazz and funk backbones on top of... More...

Move2dis004: One Year of Moving

Move2dis004: One Year of Moving

Dub, Roots Events
The Loons, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

From Saturday 27 December 2025 to Sunday 28 December 2025

Move2dis004 One year of moving 28.12.25 The loons - ōtautahi Epoch Jai Mudmonkey Rareman (uk) Truant (uk) Powered by move 2 dis More...

Party Rockin' NYE 2025

Party Rockin' NYE 2025

Covers, Tribute Bands Events
Wunderbar, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

From Wednesday 31 December 2025 to Thursday 1 January 2026

Christchurch, buckle up — we’re ringing in the New Year at the legendary Wunderbar, where the disco balls sparkle harder and the music fills a deep need in your soul. The kind of gig that makes... More...

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Eliza's Manor Boutique HotelEliza's Manor Boutique Hotel - Bed and Breakfast, Historic, Luxury Accommodation - Bealey Avenue.

Built in 1861, Eliza's Manor Boutique Hotel is a luxury Bed and Breakfast combining historic ambience with comfortable...

Christchurch Gondola RideChristchurch Gondola Ride - Attraction - Christchurch. Starting from $28.00 per person.

Celebrate the recovery of Christchurch following the 2011 earthquake, and take a trip aboard the Christchurch Gondola....

 

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