Lyttelton

Christchurch

Lyttelton
Lyttelton showing tranquil scenes
Lyttelton featuring boating
Lyttelton featuring art
Lyttelton featuring a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Waterside views, numerous live music venues and laid-back vibes make this one of the South Island’s most interesting towns.

Hidden from Christchurch by tall green hills, the quirky bars and charming beach of Lyttelton offer a welcome diversion from the big city. Plan a side trip here if you are heading south to Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.

Explore the harbour and stroll around the curved bay. Among the tankers and naval vessels you will also find sailing boats and super yachts moored. Stroll through the pleasant Ohinetahi Garden to enjoy the flowers and landscaping as well as outdoor art installations.

Continue west over the leafy headland to Corsair Bay. This small, secluded beach is flanked on either side by tree-covered cliffs. Sunbathe in tranquility on the white sand and take a dip in the pristine, blue sea.

Head back into town to sample exquisite seafood or an array of traditional New Zealand dishes. Once you have had something to eat, enjoy a drink or two at one of the neighbouring bars. Porthole on London Street is a transformed shipping container that serves quality local wine and beer while Wunderbar across the road is home to some of the best alternative music acts from Christchurch and farther afield.

On Saturdays, Lyttelton hosts one of the South Island’s best farmers markets. Purchase fresh seafood and produce to take home or visit stalls and shops for coffee or a meal while enjoying music provided to entertain shoppers.

The Lyttelton Museum was located on Gladstone Quay until it was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Fortunately much of its collection of maritime history has been preserved and safely stored. Check local information to find out if the museum is offering any pop-up exhibits around the town while you are visiting. Artefacts include relics recovered from shipwrecks and historical items from the treacherous Antarctic expeditions of Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Lyttelton is a 20-minute drive southeast from Christchurch. Take a car or use the efficient bus service that runs between the towns every day.


Popular places to visit


Lyttelton Hotel Deals

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is NT$1,362 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
NT$1,362
NT$1,566 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Breakfast was awesome, many thanks to the front desk for fantastic location recommendations!!"

Reviewed on 2025/10/11

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Novotel Christchurch Airport

Novotel Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is NT$4,005 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
NT$4,005
NT$4,606 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,024 reviews)
"Perfect for transit in and out of Christchurch. Helpful staff!"

Reviewed on 2025/10/11

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NT$3,412 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
NT$3,412
NT$3,924 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Large business hotel with bar and restaurant. Only 10 minute walk to the Cathedral and CBD."

Reviewed on 2025/10/8

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NT$4,932 per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
NT$4,932
NT$5,672 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (474 reviews)
"This was a good stay however the restaurant lets the hotel down."

Reviewed on 2025/10/12

Sudima Christchurch City
LyLo Christchurch

LyLo Christchurch

5 out of 5
5 Peter Leeming Road, Burnside, Christchurch
The price is NT$2,353 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
NT$2,353
NT$2,706 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star eco-certified hostel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"All together a pleasant stay. There was a mix up with the bed i was given already taken but that was quickly rectified and i was given another one. Staff were good and helpful. The place was clean. 15min walk to airport departure. Shops and food close by. Good kitchen,dining,lounge area. Decent lockable ..."

Reviewed on 2025/10/11

LyLo Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sudima Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is NT$3,653 per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
NT$3,653
NT$4,201 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,042 reviews)
"All good."

Reviewed on 2025/10/9

Sudima Christchurch Airport
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.

Other neighborhoods around Lyttelton

Cave Rock which includes caves

Sumner

While visiting Sumner, you might make a stop by sights like Sumner Beach and Cave Rock.

Sumner
This stunning climb gives great views of Christchurch and the surrounding areas. Its so beautiful that even the sheep stop to enjoy the scenery. #troveon #sugarloaf #christchurch #newzealand #southisland #hills

Cashmere

5/5(4 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the mountain views and gardens in Cashmere. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Hills or Clearwater Golf Resort.

Cashmere
Christchurch featuring interior views and shopping

Woolston

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Woolston. You might want to make time for a stop at The Tannery or Caddyshack City.

Woolston
Default Image

Linwood

You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Linwood. You might want to make time for a stop at Wilding Park Tennis Center or Eastgate Mall.

Linwood
Default Image

Sydenham

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Sydenham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like The Colombo and Science Alive.

Sydenham
Default Image

Spreydon

Spreydon might not have many top sights, but Wolfbrook Arena and Apollo Projects Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Spreydon


Lyttelton