lyttelton port cruise

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The ship is scheduled to dock at Lyttelton Inner harbor . Lyttelton's town center is within walking distance.

One is not allowed to walk out of the port area for security reasons, so the local port authority provides a shuttle between the passenger terminal and the  i-SITE Information center  at the center of Lyttelton.

The port Lyttleton which was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake.

The new Lyttelton Port $56 million cruise ship berth, has been completed in 2020.

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Sightseeing:

Lyttelton harbor is a beautiful scenic harbor located right beside the city of Christchurch. It offers the visitor spectacular scenery, a fascinating Maori and European history and an abundance of recreational opportunities. you can experience Lyttelton harbor for yourself by driving the short distance through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel or over the Port Hills.

Lyttelton harbor is the northern major sea inlet on Banks Peninsula, the one prominent feature on the coast of Canterbury, New Zealand. Banks Peninsula was once a volcanic island and Lyttelton harbor the sea-filled crater of a volcano that erupted 11 million years ago.

In the middle of the harbor lie three fascinating islands - Quail, Ripapa and King Billy

South Island's leading port, is connected to Christchurch by road and rail tunnels. Wooden houses cling to steep streets above the harbor, bustling with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches. Several 19th-century churches add to the town's historic attractions. The Canterbury pilgrims, who arrived in four shiploads at Lyttelton in 1850, made a historic trek across the Port Hills to establish Christchurch. Today, walkers still enjoy the old Bridle Path trail. Hundreds of modern-day pilgrims make the nostalgic hike between Lyttelton and Christchurch annually on the Sunday nearest December 16.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

The cruise lines will provide a shuttle from ship-side to Christchurch city. It will be 'affordable', depends on the cruise line and will not be more than $NZ 15. It will go to the Bridge of Remembrance on Cashel Street, and will take about 25 minutes. The time of the last shuttle back is unlikely to be known by us in advance, but the outbound shuttle driver will know. For planning purposes, you can get the time the ship leaves Lyttelton from the Port Company's website . Click on Cruise in the left hand pane and look for your date and ship.

Tours booked through the cruise line will pick up and drop off at ship-side, or as otherwise advised.

There will be a free shuttle from the ship which will drop passengers on the south side of Norwich Quay , Lyttelton. Here you can meet friends to pick you up, or join a pre-booked local tour, or just walk into Lyttelton township, where there are a few shops and coffee places, and the Information Centre. The shuttle back to the ship goes from the north side of Norwich Quay.

Local buses depart from the south side of Norwich Quay. They only take NZ cash and the local travel card, however, there will be Metro staff at the shuttle stop to sell you $NZ 10 bus tickets valid for the entire network for the day. These can be purchased with credit or EFTPOS cards or NZ cash. There will be additional buses (#8 Special) to take you to Christchurch bus exchange. You can use any bus with your day ticket, including the standard #8 which also goes to the bus exchange and then on to the airport, passing the Antarctic Centre , which is a potential visit. The journey is about an hour.

You will need to take the shuttle back to your ship from Norwich Quay. The local bus cannot take you to your ship.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Christchurch is South Island's premier city and lies about 20 minutes by car north of Lyttelton. Often described as "the most English city outside England," the busy capital of the province of Canterbury is known for its relaxed ambiance and unhurried pace. Its English character is very much evident in the fine neo-Gothic stone buildings such as the Arts center, the Canterbury Museum and the Christ Church Cathedral. The latter is the city's dominating landmark, serving as a reminder of the important role the Church of England played in the settlement of this part of New Zealand. Locally, Christchurch is known as the "Garden City" for its numerous parks and gardens. The Botanic Gardens are among the finest in New Zealand, its formal flower beds ablaze with color from spring through autumn. Shaded by overhanging trees, the Avon River meanders through the city, adding a further note of old-world charm.

Canterbury Museum Regarded as one of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere, the museum is a treasure house of Canterbury and New Zealand lore. Its main attractions include a replica Christchurch street typical of colonial days, and a Hall of Antarctic Discovery containing a fascinating collection of articles used by Antarctic explorers. The Pacific Hall displays exhibits detailing the three voyages of Captain Cook, as well as mementos collected during his travels. Canterbury museum is due to close to be refurbished shortly, will be closed 5 years but a smaller "pop-up" is planned.

Shopping and Food

Shopping in Lyttelton is rather limited, but Christchurch offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Main shopping for central city located along the river and Cashel Mall, not far from Cathedral Square. Shuttles are dropping passengers on Cashel street so straight ahead to the new rebuilt areas. The Arts center features studios showcasing the works of artisans. This is one of the few places where a wide range of local crafts is represented under one roof. Have a look at the pottery, bone carvings, pewter, sculptures and jewelry.

The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximately US$1=NZD1.30.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.

Currency Converter

Communication:

English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is universal, and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling.

The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.

Many public libraries have public Internet access. Generally there is a charge. Some Starbucks and mcDonalds for free WiFi.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

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• Lyttelton Cruise Excursions

Only recently completed in 2020, the Lyttelton Cruise Terminal is the only purpose built cruise terminal in New Zealand's South Island, located a 20 minute drive from Christchurch. On cruise days, Lyttleton Cruise Excursions depart from the Port of Lyttelton, with trips to Christchurch, Banks Peninsula & Akaroa, as well as to Arthurs Pass in the Southern Alps.

Cruise excursions to Christchurch allow you to discover the main attractions in the "Garden City". With a range of different tour options, you can take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram, visit Christchurch Botanical Gardens, go Punting on the Avon River with a guide classically dressed as an English punter, or take a ride up the Gondola for spectacular views of Christchurch City, the Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula. Lyttelton Cruise Ship Excursions to Christchurch also have options to include a visit to the local Waipara Wineries, see the International Antarctic Centre, visit Willowbank Wildlife Centre, see a working Sheep Farm, or take an exhillerating ride on a Jet Boat.

Very popular with visitors on a Lyttelton Cruise Excursion is a day trip to Akaroa, on the south-eastern tip of Banks Peninsula, 75 km from Christchurch. With it's French and European heritage you will have plenty of time to browse the boutique shops, or cafes. A nature cruise on the Canterbury Cat to see the rare and endangered Hector's Dolphins, the world's smallest dolphin, New Zealand Fur Seals, and the cute little Blue Penguin. Afterwards you will stop for some tastings at Barry's Bay Cheese Factory, who have been making traditional handcrafted cheese since 1895.

Another options for a Lyttelton Cruise Excursion is a day trip through the Southern Alps via the Alpine Pass to Arthurs Park National Park, past towering mountains, raging rapids, and emerald green lakes. Not to be missed is a jet boat trip down the breathtaking gorges of the Waimakariri River. Depending on your cruise ships arrival and departure, you may be able to include the TranzAlpine Express, one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.

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Cruises from/to Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Lyttelton (christchurch), new zealand cruise port.

• Adventurers and nature lovers alike should pay a visit to Volo Jetski Adventures. They have jetskis that they lease out to visitors for some thrilling jetski tours of the waters, surrounding Christchurch. It is a fun-filled activity that also doubles as a way to get scenic views of the town.  
• Visitors should visit the Black Cat Quail Island Ferry that offers an array of boat tours between Lyttelton and the pretty Diamond Harbour. These boat tours allow visitors to get glimpses and see stunning views of the town's landscape from different perspectives.  
• Adventurers should pay a visit to Quail Island. Here, people can enjoy leisurely walks that pass by shipwrecks, a former leper colony that was later used as a quarantine section by the early European settlers. In addition, the island is a habitat for some of the region's native birds.  
• Visitors, who are interested in taking a culinary tour, should visit the Roots restaurant, which is run by the chef and owner, Giulio Sturla. The local dishes made there are simply a delicious, moreover, the chef reveals and describes each dish as it arrives at the table.

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Welcome to Banks Peninsula, home of The Hector’s dolphins and eco-tourism pioneers Black Cat Cruises

Lyttelton ferry.

Lyttelton Harbour was formed 11 million years ago when a massive volcano erupted and the sea filled its crater. Today it is a picturesque and vibrant town perched on the hillside overlooking the harbour. Just 13km from Christchurch (the South Island’s largest city) by bus or car through the famous Lyttelton Tunnel, the town is home to many locals who commute to work in the city each day.

The calm waters of the harbour are a popular recreational spot for sailing, fishing and swimming whilst the surrounding hills are great for mountain biking and walking.

Lyttelton is the hub for anyone living or working on this side of Banks Peninsula, with the Black Cat Lyttelton ferry fleet departing regularly through the day across to Diamond Harbour and the other bays facing the port.

Lyttelton is filled with fine old buildings, churches and Victorian cottages, plus many interesting shops, cafes and bars, a very popular Saturday morning farmer’s market, and historic features like the Timeball Station, which was the hourly timekeeper for anyone working in the port or out on the water.

Things to do

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 new wine and tapas bar Civil and Naval, todelicious 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!

6.. 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

7.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!

8. One event NOT TO BE MISSED is the Lyttelton Urban Downhill competition. Taking place in November 2014 the event runsfrom 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.

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

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

How to find us

How to get to lyttleton.

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. We are located at B Jetty, Lyttelton Harbour. At the end of the tunnel turn left onto Norwich Quay. The 2nd turning to the right is the Oxford Street overbridge, you will need to park on Norwich Quay and walk over the bridge. Follow the footprints on the pavement and signs to Black Cat ferries and Quail Island.

Public Transport

The number 28 bus runs a regular service to Lyttelton. Please check the timetable on Metro’s website for accurate detail

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.

WHERE WE ARE

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

Christchurch is a popular cruise ship destination, with cruise visitors docking at ports in nearby Lyttelton and Akaroa. Our range of attractions offer a fantastic way to see and explore New Zealand’s second largest city during your excursion time.

All the best experiences in Christchurch

Meet our team.

Christchurch Tram

Punting on the Avon

Our all-day Tram passes are ideal for seeing Christchurch’s central city, offering a live commentary for you to learn about the sights and hop-on hop-off travel to explore the many must-visit locations. A full circuit of the tram route takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.

Purchase a ticket online and redeem on board our tramcars at any of our stops, or purchase a ticket from our hosts or drivers on arrival.

Refined and relaxing, our iconic punt rides have been operating on the picturesque Avon River for over 35 years. Join us for a 30-minute guided punt ride with informative commentary from your classically-attired punter at one of our two sites: float through the Botanic Gardens from our Antigua Boat Sheds landing or see the central city’s Avon River Precinct from our Worcester Bridge landing.

Located within easy walking distance of the Christchurch Tram route, this activity pairs perfectly with a Christchurch Tram pass: consider our Tram & Punt combo for discounted entry to both attractions.

Bookings are essential at the Antigua Boat Sheds, so please ensure you book for a tour ahead of time to avoid long waits on arrival. Walk-up bookings are available at Worcester Bridge, so advance bookings are not required at this location.

Christchurch Gondola

Located atop the Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton Harbour, the Christchurch Gondola is easily accessible from both Christchurch City and the port of Lyttelton and offers stunning panoramic views. Our Gondola Shuttle operates between Cathedral Square in the central city and the Christchurch Gondola on cruise ship days: the shuttle departs from Cathedral Square on the half hour from 9:30am until 3:30pm, and from the Christchurch Gondola on the hour from 10am until 4pm. You can also catch the #8 public bus from either Lyttelton or central Christchurch and disembark at the door of the Gondola, or travel via taxi or rideshare service. The cablecar journey takes approximately 10 minutes each way, and attractions at the summit include walking track access, licensed café, discovery ride and retail store.

We recommend allowing around 2 hours for a visit to the Gondola including travel time (5 minutes via taxi or bus from Lyttelton, and 15-30 minutes via taxi or bus from central Christchurch).

Botanic Gardens Tour

Our Botanic Gardens Tour is the perfect way to explore Christchurch’s stunning Botanic Gardens. See the seasonal highlights in comfort on board the eco-friendly electric shuttles, and learn about the sights with a live commentary from your driver. The 50-minute guided tour offers a comprehensive yet time-efficient overview of this much-loved space.

Tours depart between 10am and 3:30pm daily and bookings are essential: book online today.

ORGANISING YOUR DAY

Visiting from lyttelton harbour.

For a full day in Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour , we recommend visiting the Christchurch Gondola in the morning on your way into the city and combining visits to the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Botanic Gardens Tour during the afternoon before returning to the wharf.

You can also switch this itinerary to head straight into the central city to visit the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Botanic Gardens Tour before visiting the Christchurch Gondola in the afternoon and then travelling back to Lyttelton wharf.

Please contact our Punting on the Avon reservations team at [email protected] to make a reservation ahead of time as bookings are essential for this attraction (please make sure you arrive at Punting in plenty of time, as guests who miss their booked rides will not be able to be refunded).

Directions to our attractions

Shuttles from the cruise ship will be arriving in Christchurch City on Cashel Street.

Christchurch Tram : from the shuttle drop off point you can walk one block east along Cashel Street to the Bridge of Remembrance to catch the Christchurch Tram (Stop #4 is located on the other side of the archway, and you can purchase tickets or collect prepaid passes from our drivers). 200 metres | 3-minute walk

Punting on the Avon – Antigua Boat Sheds Site (2 Cambridge Terrace): from the drop off point you can walk two blocks west along Cashel Street towards the Botanic Gardens. At the end of the street turn left, and you will see the green and white Antigua Boat Sheds building. This attraction is also accessible from Christchurch Tram Stop #13 (a short walk south along Rolleston Avenue). Bookings are essential for this attraction.  400 metres | 5-minute walk

Punting on the Avon – Worcester Bridge Site (Worcester Boulevard): from the drop off point you can walk east along Cashel Street towards Cambridge Terrace before turning left and walking two blocks north along Cambridge Terrace until you reach the Worcester Bridge. You will see the punting landing on the north side of the bridge. This attraction is also accessible from Christchurch Tram Stop #10 directly above on the Worcester Bridge. W alk-up bookings are accepted at this site, with no advance bookings taken.   400 metres | 5-minute walk

Botanic Gardens Tour: from the shuttle drop off point you can walk two blocks west along Cashel Street towards the Botanic Gardens. At the end of the street turn right and enter the Botanic Gardens via one of the three gates. Walk towards the fountain, and look for the purple flag nearby showing the Botanic Gardens Tour departure point. This attraction is also accessible from Christchurch Tram Stop #13 directly across Rolleston Avenue. Bookings are recommended for this attraction. 550 metres | 7-minute walk

Christchurch Gondola (10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote) : our Gondola Shuttle operates between Cathedral Square in the central city and the Christchurch Gondola on cruise ship days. The shuttle departs from Cathedral Square on the half hour from 9:30am until 3:30pm, and from the Christchurch Gondola on the hour from 10am until 4pm. $15 return and $10 one-way tickets can be purchased from our Tram Hosts at Tram Stops 2 and 4, or from the driver (please note only card payments are accepted for onboard fares). The #8 public bus that operates between Lyttelton and central Christchurch stops at the Gondola base station (please note that only cash payments are accepted for onboard fares which are $4 per journey). Cruise ship visitors wanting to travel to the Gondola from Lyttelton can catch the #8 public bus towards the Airport, and guests wanting to visit the Gondola on the way back from Christchurch can catch the #8 public bus towards Lyttelton from the Christchurch Bus Interchange on the corner of Colombo and Lichfield Streets. Guests can also choose to travel via taxi or rideshare service.

Visiting from Akaroa Harbour

For a visit to the city from Akaroa Harbour, please note that you may have limited time in the city due to the 2-hour trip from the wharf into the city. For guests arriving from Akaroa, you will have time to visit either the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Botanic Gardens Tour, or to visit the Christchurch Gondola. Unfortunately we have found in the past that guests arriving from Akaroa have not had enough time to visit all four attractions in the 4 hours they have to spend in the city.

Shuttles from the cruise ship will be arriving in the city on Gloucester Street.

Christchurch Tram : from the drop off point you can walk one block south along Montreal Street to the Christchurch Art Gallery to catch the Christchurch Tram (stop 11 is located on the other side of Worcester Boulevard outside a restaurant named Fiddlesticks, and you can purchase tickets or collect prepaid passes from our drivers). 200 metres | 3-minute walk

Punting on the Avon – Antigua Boat Sheds Site (2 Cambridge Terrace): from the drop off point you can walk three blocks south along Montreal Street and one block west along Cashel Street towards the Botanic Gardens. At the end of the street turn left, and you will see the green and white Antigua Boat Sheds building. Bookings are essential for this attraction. 700 metres | 9-minute walk

Punting on the Avon – Worcester Bridge Site (Worcester Boulevard): from the drop off point you can walk east along Gloucester Street towards Cambridge Terrace before turning right and walking one block south along Cambridge Terrace until you reach the Worcester Bridge. You will see the punting landing on the north side of the bridge. Walk up bookings are available at this site, with no advance bookings taken.  400 metres | 5-minute walk

Botanic Gardens Tour: from the drop off point you can walk one block south along Montreal Street and one block west along Worcester Boulevard towards the Botanic Gardens. Enter the Botanic Gardens via the main gate next to the Canterbury Museum and look for the purple flag near the fountain showing the Botanic Gardens Tour departure point. 550 metres | 7-minute walk

Christchurch Gondola (10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote) : after arriving in central Christchurch, visitors wanting to travel to the Gondola can do so by catching the #8 public bus towards Lyttelton from the Christchurch Bus Interchange on the corner of Colombo and Lichfield Streets. The bus stops at the door of the Gondola base station, and the #8 public bus towards the Airport can be caught to travel back into central Christchurch. Guests can also choose to travel via taxi or rideshare service.

We look forward to welcoming you and your whānau or friends to our attractions. 

Lyttelton-Christchurch cruise port

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You are here, christchurch cruise ship terminal, cruise berth set to put lyttelton on the map.

The country’s first ever custom-built cruise ship facility is on track to open in Lyttelton in November 2020.

This is great news for our city to be able to take the large cruise ships is going to help our businesses and bring much needed tourists dollars into the region.

Large cruise vessels have been unable to berth at Lyttelton Port since the February 2011 earthquake. With the new cruise berth in place, the Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) will be able to welcome the full range of cruise vessels, including ships that cater for over 5000 passengers and 2000 staff. The cruise berth is currently under construction with piling going to plan, meaning the facility will be open in time for the 2020/2021 summer cruise ship season.

LPC chief executive Peter Davie says more than 70 bookings from cruise ship agencies for this season have been received, which he says highlights a real need for this type of facility.

The new berth means Lyttelton will be able to berth a larger cruise vessel on the new Cruise Berth and still have smaller cruise ships in the inner harbour.

“We will be able to say yes to all cruise ships.”

Passengers will then be transported by bus from the cruise ships into Lyttelton and Christchurch, where they can explore everything Canterbury has to offer.  

Location of CHRISTCHURCH CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL

Find christchurch cruise ship terminal in these categories.

Transport to and from Lyttelton

Arriving by cruise ship  

Shuttles will take you from the Cruise berth to either Christchurch, or to Lyttelton on Norwich Quay, where you can meet your tour operator, friends, or adventure around Lyttelton.

Pre-Booked Tours

Passengers who have pre-booked independent tours (this is all activities not booked directly with the onboard shorex team) departing Lyttelton can shuttle to Norwich Quay in Lyttelton to meet their tours or private transfers.

Meeting relatives and friends

There are free shuttles departing from the cruise berth which will drop you into Lyttelton and drop you on Norwich Quay.

Christchurch Gondola

Passengers who wish to travel to the Christchurch Gondola can take a pre-booked shore excursion directly from the cruise berth to the Gondola return. Some cruise ships may have a special Gondola shuttle service, while others may not. You can shuttle to Lyttelton from the Cruise Ship and bus to the Gondola using the number 8 bus. You can either purchase a single fare for the bus (cash only) which is valid for travel for 2 hours) or buy a day ticket here if you have chosen to shuttle to Lyttelton - see more information here: https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/travel-and-fares-info/cruise-ship-passengers/

Shuttle to Christchurch

Alternatively, passengers can take an affordable shuttle direct from the cruise berth into New Zealand's second largest city, Christchurch.  The shuttle is expected to cost $8-$15 return, depending on the cruise line.  The shuttle to Christchurch drops passengers off at The Bridge of Remembrance on Cashel Street. 

There will also be a day ticket for the local bus service which will be $10 a day, and there will a representative from the bus company - Metro on Norwich Quay in Lyttelton (if the cruise shuttle is taken to Lyttelton).

What can I expect if I visit Lyttelton?

Lyttelton is a small harbour community and is a great destination to pick up grocery supplies, grab a coffee or a drink and check out the small boutique shops.

Lyttelton is well served by the Metro Number 8 bus.  There are 6 stops in Lyttelton:

Coming through the tunnel from Christchurch town the bus stops are

• The bottom of Dublin Street
• Winchester Street outside the Union Church
• Oxford Street outside the school - just walk downhill and cross the road to visit the Information Centre.
• The Wharf for passengers coming or going to Diamond Harbour
• The bus then starts the journey back into Christchurch
• On Norwich Quay Leaving the Information centre walk down the hill and cross the road and turn right and you will see the bus shelter.
• Further along Norwich Quay outside Fisherman’s Wharf there is another bus shelter

Number 8 Bus Timetable

Diamond Harbour Ferry

To catch the ferry, turn left out of the Information Centre and walk down the hill.  Cross Norwich Quay and head straight on over the bridge and down the stairs to your left.

Follow the signs to the Ferry.

See the timetable: Diamond Harbour Ferry Timetable

This bus will take you to Ferrymead and you can then catch the Number 3 bus to Sumner or in the opposite direction to Christchurch City Centre, the Hospital and on out to the airport  .

If you stay on the 155 bus it will take you through to Eastgate where you can connect with the Orbiter and several other routes.

  155 Bus Timetable

   3 Bus Timetable

Complete  Metro Bus Network

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Cruise to Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Lyttelton (christchurch) shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in lyttelton (christchurch).

AERIAL AWAKENING

New Zealand Christchurch Cableway Overlooking Mountains

Located between Christchurch and Lyttelton, Christchurch Gondola is a must-visit attraction. From your cable car, expect to see incredible 360-degree views of Christchurch, Lyttelton and the Southern Alps. At the summit, visit the cafe for a treat, browse the Shop at the Top and go back in time on the Time Tunnel ride.

HIKE THE HILLS

New Zealand Lyttelton Harbor in Christchurch

If you're looking to capture beautiful views by foot, Lyttelton is the place to be. You'll find the hiking trails of the Pony Point Reserve along the coast, while you can trek the Urumau Loop to venture up Mount Pleasant. Catch glimpses of paradise on a hike down the Whakaraupo Loop in historic Bridle Path.

KICK IT IN CHRISTCHURCH

With buses departing regularly that connect Lyttelton to its big neighbor, why not head into Christchurch and see how the Garden City has been revitalized following the Christchurch Earthquake of 2011. Wander through the Botanic Gardens or take a speedboat down the Waimakariri River. Regardless of how you choose to explore, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty during your Christchurch cruise.

Glamour Cake is known for its delectable donuts and cheesecakes, but you're sure to make your taste buds happy with lolly cake, the traditional New Zealand dessert made of malt biscuits and fruit puffs. Seek out local delicacies like the slow-cooked Maori dish hangi, meat wrapped in flax leaves and smoked by hot stones, or the signature Sang Choi Bao, a dumpling with ginger and minced pork and beef, at SUPER in Christchurch.

Stop by Spooky Boogie to grab coffee at the cafe and limited-edition shirts and art in the shopping center. Or head to Henry Trading, a local gift shop, to find souvenirs like a Lyttelton tote bag, tea towel or badge. If handmade gifts made from local wool are more your style, be sure to visit the many shops in the area.

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Lyttelton, New Zealand

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Just 20 minutes from the centre 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.

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Featured Lyttelton CRUISE ITINERARIES

Lyttelton Port’s new cruise berth officially opens

The development is New Zealand’s first purpose-built cruise ship facility

By Alex Smith | 30 November 2020

Mayor of Christchurch Lianne Dalziel has opened a new cruise berth at Lyttelton Port in Lyttelton, New Zealand, which is the first purpose-built cruise ship facility in the country.

Large cruise vessels have been unable to berth at the port since an earthquake in February 2011. The new cruise berth will now enable Lyttelton to receive cruise ships of any size, though restrictions caused by Covid-19 are currently preventing most travel.

“The cruise berth has been delivered on-time and on budget, despite the challenges of Covid-19,” said Roger Gray, CEO of Lyttelton Port Company (LPC). “The berth is an asset for LPC and will free up much needed capacity in our inner harbour. While we are disappointed this cruise season will be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, we will be ready to welcome cruise ships when they do return.”

The berth has been under construction since 2018. A redesign early in the project has minimised the number and size of piles in the wharf in order to reduce underwater noise, which can affect marine mammals. The redesign has also allowed the port to reduce the use of steel and concrete in the wharf, resulting in a 50 per cent reduction of embodied carbon emissions.

“The project raised the standard of practice in protecting marine mammals in construction projects in New Zealand by designing with nature in mind,” said Gray. “As a major player in Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour we know we have a responsibility to not only protect our marine environment but also play our part in contributing to addressing climate change.”

Tags: New Zealand     Lyttelton Port Company

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Christchurch, New Zealand Cruise Ship Schedule

Lyttelton (Christchurch) ship calendar 2024-2025 provides a list of cruise ships scheduled to arrive in port with detailed information, including dates and estimated time of arrival and departure. To view how busy is the port we have included the maximum passenger capacity for each vessel. This timetable displays dates and times cruise liners are scheduled to sail into the port with the name of the ship, cruise operator, and the number of passages based on double occupancy. Please note, that the following cruise ship schedule is created on updated itineraries from the major cruise lines. The cruise ship schedule I subject to change and might be affected by various reasons including weather conditions, or itinerary changes by the cruise lines.  

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• Lyttelton Cruise Berth

Welcoming back cruise ships to New Zealand

On 31 july 2022, new zealand reopened its border to the world’s tourists. for the lyttelton port company (lpc), this promised a welcome return to cruise ships and the chance to finally showcase its brand-new cruise berth completed in november 2020..

For Beca’s team of engineers, it provided an opportunity to reflect on the part they played in New Zealand’s first ever purpose-built ‘port of call’ cruise ship facility and to celebrate the collaborative efforts of all involved in the design, including main contractor HEB Construction and LPC. The berth measures 148m long by 10m wide and is connected by 22m wide by 40m long landspans at either end. It can accommodate a range of cruise vessels, including the very largest ships – currently MS Oasis of the Seas, which is 362m long and carries up to 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew. The design process began back in 2016 with a site selection study before moving into an optioneering phase during which the port’s needs were refined. Engagement with the cruise industry was undertaken to seek input as to the functional requirements of a cruise berth for both waterside and landside facilities. The concept was further developed and refined during a multi-stage ECI process to arrive at a design that met the brief of being seismically resilient, minimised capital costs, efficient to construct, and that caused little disruption to existing port operations. The design was further optimised to reduce the amount of concrete and steel needed. As for the marine life during construction – the berth being a piled structure meant significant pile driving would be needed, not something the resident Hector’s dolphins would have welcomed. The world’s smallest marine dolphins are highly sensitive to underwater noise, so to mitigate the adverse effects of this activity, we refined our design to require fewer piles and with diameters limited to 900mm in diameter. This was achieved by providing land-based 150 tonne bollards in lieu of traditional mooring dolphins. These mooring bollards were configured along with those on the cruise berth itself to cater for both the Oasis Class of ships and a mix of smaller cruise and alternative trade vessel types, to ensure ships could be moored safely in Lyttleton’s strong wind and wave conditions and maximise the occupancy of the berth outside of cruise season. Construction began in July 2018 and was completed in November 2020 within budget despite construction delays incurred due to Covid. The return of cruise vessels to New Zealand marks the final stage of the project and reaffirms Christchurch as cruise destination. More information about the new cruise berth, is avaliable here .

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Our team says

This was an exciting project with multiple variables to consider. It required us to come up with innovative design aspects to meet seismic requirements, cope with Lyttelton’s strong and wave conditions, and avoid harm to the resident Hector’s dolphins during construction.

Letitia Drury

Beca's Project Director

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