Diamond Harbour Highlights
Legend has it that Diamond Harbour was so named because one of the early settlers observed the sun reflecting on the water and thought it looked like a thousand shining diamonds. Whatever the reason, Diamond Harbour remains one of the sunniest and unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula and is great for a day trip.
We recommend having lunch or a cool drink at Godley House. Built in 1885, this historic mansion remains a focal point for local hospitality. You can also have a delicious coffee at the local country store. How about an energetic walk to Mt Herbert or a more relaxing stroll around the cliff tops and beaches?
There is great swimming at both Purau Bay and Diamond Harbour and you can rent sea kayaks and mountain bikes in Diamond Harbour. For more details on what to see and do in Diamond Harbour see www.diamondharbour.info
A ferry has been operating on Lyttelton Harbour since 1888, connecting Diamond Harbour with Lyttelton. It's just a short 5 minute walk from the ferry jetty to the small township and ferries depart at least every hour throughout the day.
Black Cat’s ferry the Black Diamond was launched in May 2001 and was purpose built to operate as the new Diamond Harbour Ferry, replacing the historic Onawe. The introduction of the new vessel has meant the journey time is reduced to around 8 minutes with greater frequency throughout the day.
How to Get to Lyttelton
Lyttelton is around 15 to 20 minutes drive from the centre of Christchurch. See http://maps.google.com/ for detailed information about how to drive yourself. Print this map out to help you navigate.
Alternatively you can catch the number 28 bus which departs from the Bus Exchange on Colombo Street just beside Cathedral Square in the central city.
Schedule and Prices
Timetable:
(updated 2nd November 2009)
Departs Lyttelton
Departs Diamond Harbour
Weekdays
AM:
6:10, 6:55, 7:20, 7:40, 8:05, 8:50, 9:50, 10:50, 11:50
PM:
12:50, 1:50, 2:50, 3:20*, 4:00, 4:20, 4:50, 5:20, 5:50, 6:10, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30(F)
AM:
6:30, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, 8:15, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00
PM:
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:10, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:20, 6:40, 7:40, 8:40, 9:40, 10:40(F)
Weekends
AM:
6:50(S), 7:50, 8:50, 9:50, 10:50, 11:20, 11:50
PM:
12:20. 12:50, 1:20, 1:50, 2:20, 2:50, 3:50, 4:50, 5:50, 6:50, 7:50, 8:50(S), 9:50(S), 10:50(S)
AM:
7:05(S), 8:05, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00
PM:
12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00(S), 10:00(S), 11:00(S)
* One-Way only:
(F) Friday only;
(S) Saturday only:
Public Holidays will run to either a Saturday or Sunday Schedule - Check out the metroinfo website or phone 328 9078 close to the date to confirm.
Duration: 10 minutes one way.
Prices
Adult
Child
Lytt/Dia. Harbour or reverse - one way
$5.00
$2.50
Lytt/Dia. Harbour or reverse - return
$10.00
$5.00
Prices are in NZ dollars and include GST. A discount applies for Metrocard holders
Child Rates: These apply to children between the ages of 5 and 16 years and secondary school children on weekdays if in school uniform or on production of an ID card.
Freight: Per item - $1.50
Bicycles: $2 each way
Prams and pushchairs are carried free of charge.
Book your Ferry trip on Boarding
Bookings and payment for ferry services are made directly to the launch-master when boarding the vessel. Cash payments only please.
For timetable information please phone the Metro help line on 03 366 8855.
