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

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Novotel Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is P7,880 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P7,880
P9,062 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! (1,004 reviews)
Great airport location and stay
"Rooms were clean and spacious and the staff were friendly and helpful. An easy one minute walk to the terminal made for an easy, early morning flight!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Fable Christchurch
Fable Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is P5,339 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P5,339
P6,140 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 helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great service, good food, lovely room and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Fable Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is P5,018 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,018
P5,771 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! (1,000 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 P4,255 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,255
P4,893 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (997 reviews)
"Staff were very friendly and nice during our stay."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Pavilions Hotel
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is P4,686 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,686
P5,389 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Everything was to our expectations except the lack of a car park one night - which was included in our package"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
4 out of 5
64 Kilmore St, Christchurch, Canterbury
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,219 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P5,219
P6,001 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (309 reviews)
"Great place centrally located. Just could have better coffee and toilet paper"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
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 neighbourhoods 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

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

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 Eastgate Mall or Wilding Park Tennis Center.

Linwood
Default Image

Sydenham

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

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

Lyttelton