Visiting the port of Christchurch? Then we invite you to join our Lyttelton Harbour Discovery cruise. The port is just a 10-minute drive from the city center giving you the option to do both in one day! The harbour was formed 11 million years ago when a massive volcano erupted, and the sea filled its crater. Now extinct the harbour is filled with fascinating history, from it’s Antarctic links, Maori culture and the early settlers to the chance to discover amazing coastal marine birdlife and on occasion the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin.
SCHEDULE & PRICE
$89
Adult 16 years and over
$35
Child 5-15 years
(Under 5’s cruise for free)
1pm on cruise ship days. Click Book Now to check schedule
ENQUIRIES
For all enquiries please call us on 0800 436 574 or email us on [email protected]
ADDITIONAL INFO
PROTECT HECTOR’S TEAM
When booking your cruise you can add a membership to join our Protect Hector’s team for just $29
Your discovery cruise is packed with highlights. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, with rich Maori history and stories of the very first early settlers, to New Zealand’s largest working harbour on the South Island, you’ll uncover Lyttelton’s fascinating past. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. Cruises depart every day a cruise ship is visiting the port of Christchurch, weather permitting.. Banks Peninsula is home to many native species. Some of which you may see in Lyttelton Harbour. There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You may also see Hector’s dolphins or New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay. For wildlife cruises check out our Akaroa Nature Cruise. Your catamaran, the 17 metre On each two-hour cruise we will endeavour to show you some wildlife as well as the volcanic cliffs and iconic harbour sights. As Lyttelton Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. You will be cruising along the belly of an extinct volcanic crater. YOUR QUESTIONS Your two hour Lyttelton Harbour Discovery Cruise will explore the surrounding harbour and weather permitting will head out to the habour heads in search of native wild dolphins, the Hector’s dolphin We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views. Under 5’s cruise for free all year round. We recommend front packs for young babies. If you have a buggy we can store this for you at the check-in building on the main wharf. Our Lyttelton Discovery Cruise boat has a large indoor cabin with seating and tables. We offer free kids colouring in sheets on board to entertain your young ones Free tea, coffee and hot chocolates are available. We can also provide hot water. Wheelchairs can board the Canterbury Cat with assistance and our staff are happy to assist you. Ramps allow for access to both the boat and B Jetty check-in wharf. Toilets are available on board. These are not wheelchair accessible. Public wheelchair accessible toilets are available on B Jetty For hearing impaired clients we have information sheets available.TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
DISCOVER THE GATEWAY TO ANTARCTICA, LEARN ABOUT MAORI HISTORY AND THE EARLY SETTLERS TO NEW ZEALAND ALL WHILE CRUISING ALONG THE BELLY OF AN EXTINCT VOLCANIC CRATER SURROUNDED BY THE STUNNING CHRISTCHURCH PORT HILLS AND BANKS PENINSULA
HIGHLIGHTS
WILDLIFE
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Canterbury Cat, is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Lyttelton Harbour. There’s lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating, for shade and shelter. Inside there’s a bar and toilets. And the boat is both stable and safe. Relax, stretch out and discover the harbour with our award winning team. VOLCANIC ORIGINS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE ITINERARY?
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS WITH A DISABILITY (LYTTELTON))
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE?
HOW TO FIND US
We operate from B Jetty in Lyttelton, only 15 minutes from Christchurch city. Once you drive out of the Lyttelton tunnel take your first left and head straight down
the main road. Walk across the bridge from Norwich Quay and head down the steps to you left where B Jetty is located.
This is where you check in
There is not set car parking. Please allow time to find a parking space.
DIRECTIONS TO B JETTY WHEN DRIVING FROM CHRISTCHURCH
DIRECTIONS TO B JETTY LYTTELTON FOR CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS
HOW TO GET TO LYTTELTON
Lyttelton is located around 10 to 15 minutes drive from Christchurch city.
It is an easy drive in a car through the Lyttelton tunnel. See http://maps.google.com/ for detailed directions of how to get from Christchurch to Lyttelton.
Once in Lyttelton continue along Norwich Quay, then walk across the footbridge and down the steps to your left to reach B Jetty. Print this map out to help you navigate.
CRUISE SHIPS
Cruise ship passengers will disembark at the Lyttelton Information Centre. Your ship will provide a shuttle to this point. Please allow enough time to walk down to B Jetty and check-in for your cruise
NEED HELP GETTING TO LYTTELTON
Lyttelton is easily accessible by bus through our local public transport network service Metro
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.
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.