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Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Language
English, Te Reo Māori
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Time Zone
NZDT (UTC+13)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
Nov–Mar
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Typical Duration
14-18 nights
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Price Range
$722–$29,279 per person
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
No
Gateway to Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand, offering access to stunning natural landscapes, adventure activities, and Maori cultural experiences.
Cruises that visit Lyttelton
- cruises to Lyttelton
- Lyttelton sailings
- Lyttelton cruises
- 12-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 14-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 15-night Silversea cruise
- 16-night Silversea cruise
- 16-night Silversea cruise
- 18-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 30-night Holland America Line cruise
- 40-night Holland America Line cruise
- 48-night Holland America Line cruise
- 49-night Holland America Line cruise
- 66-night Holland America Line cruise
- 96-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 126-night Silversea cruise
- 129-night Holland America Line cruise
- 182-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Lyttelton
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Tannery
Lovely atmosphere and a cheery selection of beautiful shops and services.
🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Christchurch Gondola
Kids loved walking around the hills and the adventure ride in the building.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
International Antarctic Centre
The exhibits are interesting, educational and engaging.
Fisherman's Wharf
The steak was cooked to perfection—so delicious and tender.
Cassels The Brewery Bar & Restaurant
Great beers, good pizza and live music.
Lyttelton Farmers Market
Lots of different food to try, plus some arts and crafts.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
The Giants House
Amazing interactive sculptures.
Lyttelton Coffee Co.
Great food, helpful staff, cool atmosphere.
Smash Palace
Awesome vibes, friendly staff and tasty beers.
🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
MOON UNDER WATER
Hands down 10 to the staff Had the best dark beer ever Amazing atmosphere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
Valley Inn Tavern
Beautiful historical atmosphere and lovely outdoor seating for hot days.
Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar
The food was absolutely delicious, and the service exceeded my expectations!
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Shroom Room
Great vegan food, great location, great vibe, what more could you ask for?
Eruption Brewing
We sat up on the top floor and loved the service, food and ambience.
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
SUPER
We receive kind and caring service, delicious drinks and even better meals.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Wunderbar
Very friendly bartender, nice views over the wharf, unique retro decor.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Civil and Naval Bar & Eatery
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, exceptional food :)
🕐 Opens soon · 1 PM
Bomba Pizza Napoletana
Beautiful food, fast service, unique atmosphere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Lyttelton Arms
Great pub good drink prices and super friendly staff.
Lyttelton Timeball Station
Very interesting, best to come at 13:00 to see the ball drop!
Spooky Boogie
The denim jackets are crazy cool and economic priced.
🕐 Open · Closes 3 PM
Cruise Berth - Lyttelton
... Holland America had excursions with many different activities.
FreshChoice Lyttelton
Good selection reasonable prices
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Diamond Harbour Ferry
Backflips off the wharf are really fun
Black Cat Cruises
Kids had a total blast with easter egg hunt ;)
🕐 Open now
The Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre
Awesome to watch the operation of the Time Ball at 1pm each day.
The Loons
very friendly staff, normal pricing for drinks and awesome atmosphere.
Albion Square
Places to sit and rest.
Urumau reserve harbour lookout
Well worth the hike for the views and beautiful bird life along the way.
London Street Bookshop
Favourite bookshop ever, carefully curated and so beautifully decorated
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
The Lyttel Kiwi
Full of beautiful local artists and hand made products.
Henry Trading
Customer service was a little bad but the products at the store are lovely.
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Quail Island Adventures
Grateful for the shared moments of happiness on the island.
Lyttelton Harbour View Point
a nice view there
The Commoners Bar
Such a great vibe, friendly service and great food
🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
MAPU Test kitchen
We went for the menu paired with wines, which was exceptional.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Fri
The Garage Sale
Lots of treasures lovely staff .no pay wave.
🕐 Open · Closes 3:30 PM
Armadillo's Lyttelton
Great place, nice and friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere.
Lyttelton Tunnel
It was the Tunnel Control Building that was badly damaged and replaced.
Steam Tug Lyttelton
Leslie's Bookshop
Highly recommend a look in.
🕐 Open · Closes 3:30 PM
London Street Vintage
Beautifully curated this store is a work of art.
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Sweet Thursday
Onsite services
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
View Point
View of lyttleton from birdle path
Our Stories Lyttelton Walking Tour
Knowing the history of Lyttelton makes every trip there more enjoyable.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Lyttelton
Lyttelton serves as a vibrant cruise hub on New Zealand's South Island, welcoming five major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea. While primarily a port of call destination, Lyttelton attracts approximately 50 cruises annually, with most voyages spanning 14 nights and exploring the broader Australia and New Zealand region. Ships regularly call here en route to and from iconic destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Wellington, making it a natural stopover on comprehensive Pacific itineraries.
During your time ashore, you'll discover the charming character of this working port town, with its historic harbor and local shops just steps from the waterfront. The port's peak season runs from November through March, offering excellent opportunities to explore both Lyttelton's maritime heritage and the stunning natural landscapes of the Canterbury region. Whether you're embarking on an extended voyage or enjoying a brief port day, Lyttelton provides an authentic New Zealand experience away from the busier tourist centers.
During your time ashore, you'll discover the charming character of this working port town, with its historic harbor and local shops just steps from the waterfront. The port's peak season runs from November through March, offering excellent opportunities to explore both Lyttelton's maritime heritage and the stunning natural landscapes of the Canterbury region. Whether you're embarking on an extended voyage or enjoying a brief port day, Lyttelton provides an authentic New Zealand experience away from the busier tourist centers.
Cruise Lines at Lyttelton
- Holland America Line (22 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (13 cruises)
- Carnival Cruise Line (7 cruises)
- Silversea (5 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (4 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Lyttelton
Cruises Visiting Lyttelton
Ship Schedule at Lyttelton
Lyttelton Location
Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lyttelton Port's location and code?
Lyttelton Port is in New Zealand, NZLYT.
What can I see near the port?
Views of Lyttelton Harbour and easy access to Christchurch.
How do I visit Lyttelton from Christchurch?
Drive, bus, or cycle via scenic routes to the port.
What is the historical significance of Lyttelton?
A historic port town serving as a gateway to the South Island.