Lyttelton

Christchurch
Lyttelton featuring tranquil scenes
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, an Accor hotel
BreakFree on Cashel, an Accor hotel
3 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is NT$1,818 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
NT$1,818
per night
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Just a step up from a hostel.
"The bathroom was tiny, no closet space for clothes, and the bed was small and uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

BreakFree on Cashel, an Accor hotel
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Novotel Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is NT$3,253 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
NT$3,253
per night
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (578 reviews)
"Accommodations were lovely."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Fable Christchurch
Fable Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is NT$3,000 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$3,000
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The Fable is lovely, great location, the staff are helpful, and the rooms are clean and tidy."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Fable Christchurch
Lylo Christchurch
Lylo Christchurch
5 out of 5
5 Peter Leeming Road, Burnside, Christchurch
The price is NT$2,410 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$2,410
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star eco-certified hostel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Comfortable stay
"So convenient as close to airport, $15 for parking was a bit steep i thought. Need bigger towels :)"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Lylo Christchurch
Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
4 out of 5
840 Colombo St, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NT$3,228 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
NT$3,228
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews)
"Needed an easy place to stay for my last night in NZ."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is NT$3,286 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$3,286
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
Comfortable, convenient and quiet
"Very comfortable stay close to the airport with a convenient 24 hour shuttle to the airport. We needed that at just after 3 in the morning. Very quiet, and a good sleep, albeit too short!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

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
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 Eastgate Mall or Wilding Park Tennis Center.

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
New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(344 area reviews)

Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is abundant dining options, interesting museums, and colorful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Christchurch City Centre
I was first on the beach and the only photographer that morning to get these colours. 10mins later there was about a dozen other photographers. So get there early to get the prime spots.

New Brighton

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in New Brighton. You might want to make time for a stop at New Brighton Beach or New Brighton Pier.

New Brighton

Lyttelton