Lyttelton Harbour Tours and Activities

Lyttelton Harbour which includes landscape views, mountains and general coastal views
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Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

The quaint harbour at Lyttelton sits on an ancient volcanic crater. The steep hills rising around the port town reach a height of 1,640 feet (500 metres), and are known as the Port Hills. In the town, you’ll find an excellent choice of restaurants, shops and cafés. Observe sea and birdlife out on the deep harbour with cruises run by local operators.

Lyttelton makes a great day trip from Christchurch, as it is linked to the city by a road tunnel through the Port Hills. At just over a mile (1.9 kilometres) long, the tunnel is the country's longest underground route. Lyttelton was close to the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake and many buildings were destroyed. However, like Christchurch, the town still has much to offer visitors.

The surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for hilly or coastal hikes, as well as many scenic picnic and swimming spots. Around the Port Hills area there are also plenty of adventure sports to enjoy, including mountain biking. Visit the nearby Quail Island by boat. Used as a leper colony during the first settlements, it’s now a picturesque nature reserve.

Lyttelton was the port of entry for English settlers coming to the new settlement of Canterbury, and the first four ships of immigrants arrived soon after the dock was constructed in the late 19th century. You can still see the original stone dock here at the harbour. It’s the last of its kind in the South Island.

Saturday mornings are a great time to visit Lyttelton, when you can soak up the lively atmosphere of the farmers market as you enjoy your morning coffee. This popular market attracts visitors from far and wide, as well as locals, who shop for freshly caught fish and other local produce.

From Christchurch, you can reach Lyttelton by car or bus via the road tunnel. Cruise into the harbour on a ferry from nearby Akaroa, Kaikoura and Timaru ports.

Plan a trip to see Lyttelton Harbour

Hotel 115 Christchurch
Quest on Manchester
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Lyttelton Harbour

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 35.3448275862069%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 51.14942528735632%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 11.494252873563218%
2 - Disappointing
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
6 Mar 2020

London Street secondhand bookshop is good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Oct 2019

Enjoyed great coffee and breakfast at Lyttelton coffee co highly recommend this cafe!

5/5 - Excellent

Caroline
11 Jul 2019

Coffee overlooking the harbour

4/5 - Good

Sleepless
25 May 2019

Go to Lyttelton via Sumner and over the pass, stop at the time ball clock

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2019

Check out Eruption Brewing - fantastic service and lovely quaint town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Nov 2018

It was well located for dining venues.  It was an easy walk to the central bus station.

Popular places to visit


Top Lyttelton Harbour Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments
3.5 out of 5
26 Marriner Street, Sumner, Christchurch
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments
Hidden Gem at the backyard of Christchurch
Hidden Gem at the backyard of Christchurch
Diamond Harbour
Hidden Gem at the backyard of Christchurch
Panoramic Views and Relaxing Spa
Panoramic Views and Relaxing Spa
Christchurch
Panoramic Views and Relaxing Spa
Modern, quiet comfort for two
Modern, quiet comfort for two
Redcliffs
Modern, quiet comfort for two
Shiloh - Diamond Harbour Accommodation
Shiloh - Diamond Harbour Accommodation
Purau
Shiloh - Diamond Harbour Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.