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Lyttelton harbor from the Cavendish mountain, Christchurch, South island of New Zealand
Lyttelton harbor from the Cavendish mountain, Christchurch, South island of New Zealand

Discover Lyttelton, New Zealand

Whale Watching. Quaint Cafés.

Just 20 minutes from the center of Christchurch city, Lyttelton is a charming port town with a long history. Back in 1850, the first European settlers landed in Christchurch before heading over the Port Hills to establish their new home. Today, Lyttelton is accessed by an impressive road tunnel. It's a vibrant town, home to a small community of 3,000 residents, filled with bohemian artists, cafés, restaurants and unique shops to discover.

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Lyttelton

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

Beautiful view of Lyttelton Port and Harbour from the Christchurch Gondola Station at the top of the Port Hills, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. Beautiful view of Lyttelton Port and Harbour from the Christchurch Gondola Station.
Sheep Grazing at the top of the Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton Harbour and Charteris Bay. Sheep Grazing at the top of the Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton Harbour.
aerial panorama of lyttelton, famous harbour near christchurch in new zealand south island, canterbury Aerial panorama of Lyttleton's famous harbour.
Spectacular aerial view of a Lyttelton Harbour surrounded by multiple native trees and forest showcasing a deep blue ocean located in the Canterbury Region of the South Island NZ Spectacular aerial view of Lyttelton Harbour.
panorama of beautiful taylors mistake beach seen from the godley head walkaway, christchurch, canterbury, new zealand Taylor's Mistake beach seen from the Godley Head walkway.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

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Famous For

Cross Victoria Square, the oldest bridge in New Zealand, to see the flower clock.

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Exquisite Flavors

Be sure to try the succulent lamb dishes, renowned for their rich flavors, and the fresh, creamy seafood chowder, a local delight.

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Fun Facts

For a serene and peaceful boat ride, float down the beautiful Avon River amid diverse plant and animal life.

Port Name & Location

Christchurch Cruise Port.
Ships will DOCK at this port.

Language

The local language in Lyttelton is New Zealand English.

Time Zone

New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) UTC/GMT+13 hours

Currency & Shopping

Local currency is the New Zealand Dollar.

Featured Lyttelton Itineraries

Learn More about Lyttelton

Read more on our official travel blog.

Two hikers at viewpoint in the mountains enjoying beautiful view of the valley with a lake and sunny warm weather in summer, green trees around

11 Cruise Shore Excursion Packing Tips

Are you planning a cruise but not sure what to bring along for shore excursions? Here's a list of our handiest tips for planning your excursion must-haves.

Observation Lounge couple strolling-Alaska.

Cruise Tips: What to Expect on Embarkation Day

If you're reading this article, then most likely your cruise vacation date with Norwegian is quickly sailing your way! Embarkation day is very exciting and involves a lot of moving parts as guests check in and board, luggage is delivered to staterooms, and you get settled in and explore the ship. One of the many great things about sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is that they have worked hard to ensure that the embarkation process goes as smoothly as possible.

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What to Pack for Your Cruise

What to Pack for your Cruise Vacation: Packing list and other considerations.

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