Lyttleton - South Island, New Zealand

Lyttelton is 12 kms from Christchurch city characterised by its famous Lyttelton Harbour. This is a port town bustling with activity. The town overlooks the docks and quays towering over the Port Hills and running southwest along the coast to Governors Bay.

The main road in Lyttelton is Norwich Quay parallel to the waterfront with pubs to serve the sailors, the truckies, and the dock workers. Close to the docks along London St are the best restaurants, shops and accommodation.

Lyttleton Activities

Lyttelton is famous for the Timeball Station which was built by prisoners in 1876. It is a one km climb from the town centre with fantastic views of the place right around. It served as an aid for mariners to adjust their ship chronometers.

It was replaced by radio signals in 1934. The station has a number of exhibits explaining the significance of the time ball and its navigational techniques. The view from the roof is stupendous and a close up look at the ball is fascinating.

Lyttelton Museum on Norwich Quay is a mariner's delight with its collection of ancient telescopes. There are exhibits of significance to the development of Lyttelton. There is a vivid account of the Antarctic expeditions of Scott and Shackleton which originated at Lyttelton.

The pretty Holy Trinity Anglican Church, built in 1860, is a landmark in Lyttelton. The Upham Memorial Clock in the Rose Garden is a tribute to Dr Upham who treated lepers and poor patients for free, and there is also the Old Jail which was the first penal institution in the South Island.

The Torpedo Boat Museum is an interesting highlight located to the west of Lyttelton. There are still a couple of steam tugs operating here. The Steam Tug Lyttelton still operates on most Sundays in summer on round trip cruises to the head of the harbour.

There are regular ferry services to Diamond Harbour and Quail Island. There is also a wildlife cruise where you get to check out Hector dolphins. Alternatively, if you are looking for some physical activity, you can go on a kayaking tour around Lyttelton Harbour.

As you head out of Lyttelton to the sea, you see Godley Head, through which boats arrive at the harbour. The other areas of interest are Diamond Harbour, Quail Island and Ripapa Island.

The 2 km Lyttelton Tunnel is the quickest way of travelling from Christchurch to Lyttelton and it takes 20 minutes to land in the heart of Lyttelton town. Buses leave from Cathedral Square in Christchurch for Lyttelton every 15 to 25 minutes. There is a visitor centre in Lyttelton which provides great local information.

Lyttleton Accommodation

Accommodation in Lyttelton town itself is limited. There are a couple of good bed & breakfasts and a backpackers hostel. The majority of the accommodation is away from the town, concentrated around the Lyttelton Harbour.

Lyttelton has many lively eating places serving good quality tasty food. The prominent eating places are the Volvano Cafe and Wunderbar.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Lyttelton accommodation and Lyttelton activities bookings and you along with your family and friends can have a great time in this beautiful port town so close to Christchurch city.