Making the most of Lyttelton Christchurch
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships are scheduled to berth in Lyttelton Inner Harbour, within walking distance of Lyttelton town centre.
Christchurch's cruise terminal stands in historic Lyttelton, approximately 12 kilometres, or about 7.5 miles, south-east of Christchurch.
Security rules prevent passengers from walking out through the port. The local port authority therefore runs a shuttle between the passenger terminal and Lyttelton's centrally located i-SITE Information Centre.
The port of Lyttelton was destroyed by the 2011 earthquake.
Lyttelton Port's new $56 million cruise-ship berth was completed in 2020.
Beautiful Lyttelton harbour lies immediately beside Christchurch and offers spectacular scenery, absorbing Maori and European history and plentiful recreational activities. Experience it by making the short drive through Lyttelton Road Tunnel or travelling across the Port Hills.
Lyttelton harbour is the principal northern sea inlet on Banks Peninsula, the prominent feature along Canterbury's coast in New Zealand. Once a volcanic island, Banks Peninsula contains the harbour in the sea-filled crater of a volcano that erupted 11 million years ago.
Three intriguing islands occupy the middle of the harbour: Quail, Ripapa and King Billy.
As South Island's leading port, Lyttelton connects with Christchurch through road and rail tunnels. Wooden homes climb steep streets above a harbour busy with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches, while several 19th-century churches add historic interest. In 1850, the Canterbury pilgrims arrived at Lyttelton in four shiploads before crossing the Port Hills to found Christchurch. Walkers still follow the old Bridle Path, and hundreds of present-day pilgrims complete the nostalgic Lyttelton-Christchurch route each year on the Sunday closest to December 16.
Getting around
Cruise lines provide a ship-side shuttle to Christchurch city. Described as 'affordable', its price varies by line but will not exceed $NZ 15. The trip to Bridge of Remembrance on Cashel Street takes about 25 minutes. Although the final return time is unlikely to be available beforehand, the outbound driver will know it. For planning, find the ship's Lyttelton departure time on the Port Company's website by selecting Cruise in the left-hand pane and locating the relevant date and vessel.
Cruise-line tours collect and return passengers at ship-side unless different arrangements are specified.
A complimentary ship shuttle drops passengers on the south side of Norwich Quay in Lyttelton. From here, meet friends collecting you, join a pre-booked local excursion or walk into Lyttelton township for a few shops, coffee venues and the Information Centre. Return shuttles leave from Norwich Quay's north side.
Local buses leave from Norwich Quay's south side and accept only NZ cash or the local travel card. Metro staff at the shuttle stop sell $NZ 10 tickets covering the whole network for the day, payable by credit card, EFTPOS card or NZ cash. Extra #8 Special buses run to Christchurch bus exchange. Any service can be used with the day ticket, including the regular #8, which continues from the exchange to the airport via the Antarctic Centre, a possible attraction. Allow about an hour for the journey.
Return to the ship on the shuttle from Norwich Quay, as local buses cannot enter the ship area.
Nearby places
Christchurch, South Island's premier city, is around 20 minutes north of Lyttelton by car. Often labelled "the most English city outside England", Canterbury's busy capital is recognised for its easy-going atmosphere and leisurely pace. Fine neo-Gothic stone buildings, including the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and Christ Church Cathedral, express that English character. The cathedral dominates the city and recalls the Church of England's significant role in settling this part of New Zealand. Christchurch is known locally as the "Garden City"...
Regarded as one of the Southern Hemisphere's finest museums, Canterbury Museum holds a wealth of Canterbury and New Zealand history. Highlights include a recreated colonial-era Christchurch street and the Hall of Antarctic Discovery, with an absorbing collection of items used by Antarctic explorers. Pacific Hall covers Captain Cook's three voyages and displays mementoes gathered during his travels. Plans call for Canterbury Museum to close shortly for a 5-year refurbishment, with a smaller "pop-up" also proposed.
Food and shopping
Shopping choices in Lyttelton are fairly limited, whereas Christchurch has many. The central city's principal shopping follows the river and Cashel Mall near Cathedral Square. Shuttles leave passengers on Cashel Street, facing the newly rebuilt districts. Studios at the Arts Centre display artisans' work and bring a broad range of local crafts under one roof, including pottery, bone carvings, pewter, sculptures and jewellery.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. Some businesses, particularly in visitor destinations, accept foreign money. The approximate conversion from US dollars is US$1=NZD1.30.
Cash machines are locally called 'the hole in the wall' and can be found in almost every town.
Staying connected
New Zealand's official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. English is universal and follows Commonwealth, or "British", spelling.
Dial 111 for an emergency in New Zealand.
Public internet access is available at many libraries, usually for a fee. Some Starbucks and McDonald's locations provide free WiFi.