Lyttelton

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Lyttelton, the gateway to Christchurch. Cashin Quay is the main cruise berth, although smaller ships can also berth at No 2 East Wharf (Inner Harbour).

Note that Lyttelton is 12.9 km (8 miles) to Christchurch and hence there are two shuttle services; one takes you to Lyttelton township and the other takes you to Christchurch city.

Please note that Lyttelton Port of Christchurch prohibits visitors from walking off the port for safety and security reasons, and has a complimentary shuttle that takes you to London Street, outside Lyttelton's i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Check with your cruise ship for shuttle services from the pier into Christchurch city with drop off near the Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre in Christchurch Cathedral Square, a local landmark. 

On foot
Lyttelton is a small township and is easily explored by foot.

Once in Christchurch city, it is also easily explored on foot due to its compact and flat nature.

Public Buses
There are two bus routes from Lyttelton to Christchurch. The bus-stop is located on Norwich Quay, Lyttelton and you may catch numbers 35 and 28. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

Once you are in Christchurch city, you can explore via the free inner city yellow bus. The free inner city yellow bus is powered by eco fuel. Enquire at the Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre for more information.

Taxis
Taxis are available in the maritime precinct.

In Christchurch, freephone 0800 808 544, www.corporatecabs.co.nz

Not all taxis accept credit cards - please ask your driver before boarding.  

It is around 23 minutes of drive time from Lyttelton to Christchurch city.

Car Rental
We recommend booking rental cars in advance. Visit the Transpor t section for further details of rental car companies in the Christchurch region. 

Tram
The Christchurch Tramway is an icon of Christchurch and provides inner city transportation and tours. The track is approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) and takes 25 minutes to complete and covers most of Christchurch’s must-see attractions. Guests are encouraged to hop on and off the tram for close up exploration of sites. Tickets start from NZD 15 and can be purchased from the conductor as you board the tram.

Recommended Shopping
Christchurch’s best shopping areas are near Cathedral Square, along Colombo and Cashel Streets.

You can find a list of shopping options in Christchurch on ChristchurchNZ.com. Click on 'Wine, Dine & Shop' to see detailed listings.

Recommended Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
You can find a list of shopping options in Christchurch on ChristchurchNZ.com. Click on 'Wine, Dine & Shop' to see detailed listings.

Nearest Post Shop
Cathedral Square North: 736 Colombo Street, Christchurch +64 3 377 5414

Colombo Street South Post Shop: 680 Colombo Street, Christchurch, +64 3 374 4381

Visit the New Zealand Post website for more details.

Nearest Internet Café
Lyttelton: Lyttelton Information Centre, 20 Oxford Street, +64 3 328 9093

Christchurch: eblahblah, 77 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, +64 3 377 2381, www.eblahblah.co.nz

Nearest Supermarket
Woolworth: 999 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, +64 3 384 8420

Activities within 5km of the port

Visit the Lyttelton and Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centres to get some ideas on the outstanding range of scenic highlights, activities and attractions in the Christchurch region. There is also an information kiosk on cruise ship days by the wharf.

The Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre: 20 Oxford Street, Lyttelton, www.lytteltonharbour.info

Christchurch i-SITE: Old Chief Post Office, 15 - 31 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, +64 3 379 9629, www.christchurchnz.com

Upcoming events in Lyttelton

The garden city of Christchurch blossoms in the summer time. Be sure to see if there are any great events on when your cruise ship docks in Christchurch. Check out ChristchurchNZ.com and click on 'Events' to find out more.

Your cruise ship will berth onto a working port, with minimal passenger facilities. You should be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who can supply you with maps and information as well as important information such as where to find money changing facilities.

As Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s largest cities, you will be handy to shopping, dining and all sorts of urban comforts. If you need some local assistance, call into the Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre, located in Christchurch Cathedral Square. Visit ChristchurchNZ.com for more information.