Haere Mai and welcome to Lyttelton, the ideal port of call to explore all that Canterbury has to offer.

We’re helping to bring the world’s largest cruise ships to Canterbury through the construction of New Zealand’s first ever purpose-built cruise ship facility. The berth is set to open for 2020/2021 cruise ship season. For progress, click here.

Last year LPC welcomed 26 cruise ships and thousands of passengers keen to explore our region. Lyttelton is a 20-minute drive from Christchurch and is the oldest settlement on Banks Peninsula. There is a ferry service across the harbour to Diamond Harbour, a seaside village. Over summer a boat tour service operates to Quail Island.

If scheduling allows, passengers can also travel as far as Akaroa or explore the West Coast aboard the Trans Alpine rail service.

Where can I get information?
Lyttelton has a community-based Information Centre which opens daily:

October to May
Six days from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Sunday 10.30am – 2.30pm

May to October
Seven days a week 10.30am – 2.30pm

Can I walk off the ship?
Yes, from the Lyttelton inner harbour berths you can walk on and off the ship. Just remember to take photo ID with you (such as your ship photo ID, passport or driver’s licence) so you can get past port security on your return.

Lyttelton’s facilities are all in walking distance (bakery, supermarket, pharmacy/post office, ATMs, cafe/bars and restaurants, shops, public bus stop).

When the new cruise berth opens in 2020 access from and back to the wharf will be vehicle only.