Lyttelton Travel Guide

Christchurch

Lyttelton
Lyttelton
Lyttelton featuring boating
Lyttelton showing art
Lyttelton showing 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


Top hotels in Lyttelton

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is ₹6,647 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹6,647
₹7,644 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent facilities including the great gym. As always, the Rydges breakfast still holds the top spot against all of the hotels we have stated in."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Novotel Christchurch Airport

Novotel Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is ₹11,995 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,995
₹13,795 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Fabulous hotel"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Fable Christchurch

Fable Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is ₹6,853 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹6,853
₹8,049 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"From the get-go this stay set high standards. Friendly, efficient staff. Beautiful decor, that was aesthetically pleasing yet welcoming and warm. The breakfast was a big tick. Plenty of continental options beautifully presented & readily replenished by staff."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Fable Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is ₹10,756 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹10,756
₹12,370 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (438 reviews)
"Exceptional stay with all of the perfect amenities. Will stay again for sure."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Sudima Christchurch City
Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sudima Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is ₹9,655 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,655
₹11,103 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Our plane was delayed and we arrived at 3 AM. We were so glad we had booked this hotel—it’s within walking distance of the airport (a shuttle bus is also available, but we chose to walk). The staff were fantastic. Cody was especially knowledgeable and gave us excellent tips and an itinerary for our ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Sudima Christchurch Airport
Pavilions Hotel

Pavilions Hotel

4 out of 5
42 Papanui Road, Christchurch
The price is ₹5,658 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,658
₹6,612 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good value for money"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Lyttelton

Cave Rock showing caves

Sumner

If you're spending some time in Sumner, Sumner Beach and Cave Rock are top sights worth seeing.

Sumner
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Cashmere

5/5(1 area review)

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
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Sydenham

3/5(1 area review)

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 showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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

Christchurch City Centre
New Brighton Beach showing a coastal town, a sandy beach and surfing

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 Travel Guide