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

Things to do in Lyttelton

  1. Visit the Lyttelton Farmers Market: If you are visiting over the weekend, you must make time to pop along to the Lyttelton Farmers Market. Held on London Street every Saturday from 10am until 1pm, the market is a foodie’s delight packed with fresh produce sold directly by local farmers. Check out their Facebook page for some weekly inspiration!
  2. Go Shopping on Oxford and London Streets: The local streets are lined with wonderful, quirky boutique stores and local artisan shops that are absolutely worth checking out for unique finds. Keep an eye out for beautiful, locally crafted products like the famous premium soy candles from Lyttelton Lights, they make the perfect authentic keepsake to remember your harbour visit by!
  3. Jump on the Diamond Harbour Ferry: Take a quick, scenic 10-minute ferry ride across the beautiful harbour to explore Diamond Harbour.
  4. Wine & Dine: For a small harbour town, Lyttelton serves up a massive appetite. Grab some incredible craft beer and wood-fired pizza at Eruption Brewing, soak in the cool wine and tapas vibes at Civil and Naval, or enjoy a great coffee paired with amazing home baking from the local-favourites Shroom Room & Lyttelton Coffee Company you won’t leave unsatisfied.
  5. Explore Quail Island: Have a hearty breakfast in town and then catch the ferry over to Quail Island. Complete the 2.5-hour loop track walk to burn it off—it’s a perfect day out for all ages and truly one of the best things to do in Christchurch!
  1. Experience Local Festivals: Depending on when you visit, you might catch one of Lyttelton’s vibrant local events. The town hosts everything from the Banks Peninsula Walking Festival and SummerFest to the Festival of Lights and Kura Festival. Check out what’s happening in and around Lyttelton here!
  2. Head to the Beach at Magazine or Corsair Bay: Pack a picnic and your swimsuit! Corsair Bay is a fantastic, sheltered beach featuring a nearby swimming pontoon that is perfect for families. Insider tip: It gets incredibly busy on Christmas Day!
  3. Catch Live Music at The Loons: Lyttelton has a legendary reputation as a creative incubator for New Zealand music. Head over to The Loons on Canterbury Street—a fantastic, historic venue that hosts top-tier local and international live bands, theatre, and comedy in an intimate atmosphere.
  4. Have a Drink at the Quirky Wunderbar: No trip to Lyttelton is complete without a visit to the globally famous Wunderbar. Perched up on London Street, this wonderfully bizarre, eccentric bar is filled with strange doll heads and retro trinkets. It features a great deck with panoramic views over the working port and a constant line-up of live gigs.
  5. Pop into the Information Centre: Still stuck for ideas? Drop by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre on London Street to chat with the friendly locals and pick up some extra regional tips.

Frequently Asked Questioins

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.

Number 8 Bus timetable (Metro Info)

B-Jetty: Departure point in Lyttelton

Lyttelton Map

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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