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

Te Reo Tautito

Te Reo Tautito

R&B, Soul Events
Lyttelton Arts Factory, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

Today only at 7:00 p.m.

A night of modern jazz, RnB and pop translated into te reo Māori. Te Reo Tautito will be accompanied on stage by Kāi Tahu artist George French, who will be painting live the wairua of the music and reo. Tickets by koha... More...

Vintage Jazz at The Commoners

Vintage Jazz at The Commoners

Jazz Events
The Commoners Bar and Restaurant, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

From Tuesday 27 October 2026 to Tuesday 22 December 2026

Come down to the Commoners Lyttelton and enjoy live vintage Jazz performed by our house band 'Finished Business'! Weekly live music and gorgeous ambience in a basement bar and restaurant with real history and character... More...

Quiz Night

Quiz Night

Quiz, Karaoke Events
Civil & Naval, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

From Monday 26 October 2026 to Monday 7 December 2026

Come join us for the weekly ritual on a Monday night at Civil and Naval Bar & Eatery, where you and your crew will negotiate five rounds of amazing trivia with Gee Quiz. Your team's street cred, life smarts and... More...

Te Ūaka Past, Present, and Future

Te Ūaka Past, Present, and Future

Museums Events
Te Ūaka Cabin, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

From Saturday 24 October 2026 to Monday 26 October 2026

In association with the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2026, Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum is pleased to present an exhibition exploring the museum’s journey through more than 50 years including the two sites it has... More...

Tim Mahon & Kerfuffle

Tim Mahon & Kerfuffle

Alternative, Indie Events
Lyttleton Coffee Company, Lyttelton, Christchurch District

Sunday 25 October 2026

From the DNA of Blam Blam Blam & Ardijah. Kerfuffle are a 4 piece guitar band playing Tim Mahon orginal songs from his new Album The Great Kerfuffle. Plus some choice covers and Blam Blam Blam in the mix. Teina... More...

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Madras Street Apartment 1 - Christchurch Holiday Homes - Apartment.

Madras Street Apartment 1 - Christchurch Holiday Homes in Christchurch provides accommodation with free WiFi, 1.1 km...

CHRISTCHURCH TO LAKE TEKAPO ONE-WAY TRANSFERCHRISTCHURCH TO LAKE TEKAPO ONE-WAY TRANSFER - Transfer - Christchurch. Starting from $650.00 per person.

Travel in style and in the comfort of a luxurious minivan with a one-way transfer from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo...

 

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