Lyttelton

Carved out 11 million years ago by a colossal volcanic eruption, Lyttelton Harbour stands as a majestic gateway to New Zealand’s past and present. It was Captain Cook, during his maiden voyage in 1770, who first laid eyes on this natural wonder. Now, we proudly offer an array of experiences including the Lyttelton Discovery Cruise, Private Charter Cruises, and ferry services to Ripapa Island, Quail Island, and the iconic Diamond Harbour Ferry.

Nestled just a short 15-minute drive from Christchurch’s bustling centre, Lyttelton is easily accessible through a tunnel that burrows through the Christchurch Port Hills. Beyond the tunnel lies a haven for culture and creativity, with an eclectic mix of artists, distinctive cafes, trendy shopkeepers, and lively farmer’s market vendors.

As the South Island’s premier port, Lyttelton plays a pivotal role, managing 34% of exports and a whopping 61% of imports by value. This bustling hub offers visitors a rare glimpse into the world of maritime commerce, with cargo ships and grand cruise liners showcasing the port’s significance.

But it’s not just about the present; Lyttelton is deeply rooted in history. It was here, in 1862, that New Zealand transmitted its first telegraph message. This harbour also witnessed the legendary ‘Nimrod Expedition’ led by Shackleton as they embarked on their Antarctic adventure. And come 2023, the harbour will further its legacy by hosting New Zealand’s debut international Sail Grand Prix.

With Black Cat Cruises, journey from Lyttelton to the historical enclaves of Ripapa and Quail Islands. These islands are a treasure trove of stories, from wartime bunkers and haunting shipwrecks to the remnants of a leper colony. Beyond history, they also promise breathtaking panoramic views of the harbour.

Our exclusive ferry to Diamond Harbour offers another picturesque escape, perfect for a serene picnic. And as you cruise with Black Cat, embrace the exhilarating thought that just beneath, lies the heart of an ancient, dormant volcano.

Things to do in Lyttelton

Suggested things to do in Lyttelton

  1. If you are visiting at the weekend then you must make time to pop along to the Lyttelton Farmers Market. It’s held on Oxford Street every Saturday from 10am until 1pm. The market is a foodies delight with fresh produce from local farmers sold direct to the public. Check out their facebook page for some inspiration.

  2. Go shopping. Oxford street is also lined with some wonderful boutique stores that are worth checking out.

  3. Jump on the Diamond Harbour Ferry. It’s only a 10 minute ferry ride across the beautiful harbour!

  4. Wine and Dine. For a small harbour Lyttelton serves a large appetite. From the cool wine and tapas bar Civil and Naval, to delicious Italian from Freemans or a great coffee served with possibly the best home baking this side of the equator from Samo you won’t be left unsatisfied.

  5. Have a hearty breakfast in Lyttelton and then take a trip over to Quail Island and complete the 2.5 hour loop track walk to burn it off. A perfect destination for people of all ages. We think it’s one of the best things to do in Christchurch!

  1. Depending on when you are visiting you may be able to experience one of Lyttelton’s festivals. There’s everything from the Banks Peninsula Walking Festival, SummerFest, The Festival of Lights, Kura Festival…the list goes on. Check out this page for more information and keep an eye on the Black Cat blog for details on the festivals nearer the time.

  2. Pack a picnic and a swim suit and head to the beach. Corsair Bay is a fantastic sheltered beach complete with a nearby pontoon. Great for the family. Insider tip: It gets busy Christmas Day!

  3. One event NOT TO BE MISSED is the Lyttelton Urban Downhill competition. Taking place in November 2014 the event runs from Somes Road to London Street. Over 3,000 spectators turn out each year to watch talented local and international riders compete on a course of 1.2km with a 160m vertical drop.

  4. If you’re feeling adventurous why not go Kayaking? Nearby Cass Bay has Kayaks for hire during the summer months.

  5. Still stuck for ideas you can always pop into the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.

Lyttelton, Getting there and Checking in

Where do the Black Cat Lyttelton services depart from?

All of our Lyttelton-based services, including the Diamond Harbour Ferry and Quail Island Adventures, depart from B Jetty at the Lyttelton Wharf. Once you arrive at the waterfront, look for the pedestrian overbridge which leads directly to the boarding area.

How do I get to Lyttelton from Christchurch?

Lyttelton is a convenient 15–20 minute drive from Christchurch city centre via the Lyttelton Tunnel. If you are using public transport, the No. 8 bus runs regularly between the city and the Lyttelton wharf area.

Is there parking available at the Lyttelton wharf?

There is no public parking available on the wharf itself. We recommend utilising the public street parking within the Lyttelton township. Please allow at least 20 minutes before your Check in time to find a space and walk down to the jetty, as the area can be particularly busy during weekends and peak summer periods.

What facilities are available near the wharf?

There is one toilet available on the Wharf itself. Lyttelton township offers a range of cafes, pharmacies, and public toilets just a 5-10 minute walk from the departure point. We recommend visiting these before heading to the jetty, as facilities on the wharf itself are limited.

Accessibility & Disability Support at Lyttelton

We strive to make our harbour experiences accessible to everyone. If you are visiting our Lyttelton departure point, please note the following location-specific information:

Arrival and Wharf Access
Our services depart from B Jetty at the Lyttelton Wharf. Access to the jetty is via a pedestrian overbridge from the township. While the path is paved, it involves a short walk from the main street.

Parking for Mobility Card Holders
As there is no public parking on the Lyttelton wharf, we recommend using the dedicated accessible parking spaces located within the Lyttelton township. Please allow extra time to navigate from the street level down to the waterfront.

Boarding Assistance
Our crew are trained to assist with boarding. Ramps are available for most departures; however, boarding can be affected by the tide. We highly recommend arriving 20 minutes prior to your departure so our team can ensure you are boarded safely and comfortably.

Carer Support
We offer various supports for those travelling with a carer, including the Hāpai Access Card programme. Carer discounts are available across our Lyttelton services—please refer to our specific Diamond Harbour Ferry or Quail Island pages for the exact concessions available for those experiences.

Assistance Dogs
Certified assistance dogs are welcome at our Lyttelton terminal and on all our vessels.

B-Jetty: Departure point in Lyttelton

ABOUT US

The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand's tourism industry but also internationally recognized as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to be acknowledged as New Zealand's very first eco-tourism operator.

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OUR LOCATIONS

Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from the stunning Akaroa harbour which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch.

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