Lyttelton

Christchurch

Lyttelton
Lyttelton
Lyttelton which includes boating
Lyttelton showing art
Lyttelton which includes 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Lyttelton

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is P4,633 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P4,633
P5,329 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great deal with parking and breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Novotel Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,791 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P7,791
P8,960 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,010 reviews)
"So close to the airport. Perfect for an early morning flight."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Fable Christchurch
Fable Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is P5,279 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,279
P6,071 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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 helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location in the centre of Christchurch right next to a laneway full of restaurants and bars. A short walk (10 minutes) to riverside markets where there are a whole lot of food stalls, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Plenty of parking next to the hotel. Also, next door is a small mall with a convenience ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Fable Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City
Sudima Christchurch City
5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is P7,234 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
P7,234
P8,319 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
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! (433 reviews)
"Very modern. Good location and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Sudima Christchurch City
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is P5,838 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,838
P6,713 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Exceeded expectations. We arrived at 2am. Staff were friendly and efficient. The room was really clean. It was just a short walk from the international airport. They do offer a shuttle service, but we opted to walk along the covered path straight to the hotel. Highly recommend and we would stay ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Sudima Christchurch Airport
Pavilions Hotel
Pavilions Hotel
4 out of 5
42 Papanui Road, Christchurch
The price is P4,207 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P4,207
P4,838 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved the bar area with all the historic things placed around"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Pavilions Hotel
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.

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

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Lyttelton