Royal Princess
49% offbalcony
South PacificSouth Pacific - Australia
Lyttleton Cruise Port
Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand
Lyttleton is a small port town located in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#161
of 318 ports in the South Pacific
Today · high / low
72° / 28°
September normals
South Pacific - Australia
Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand
// Lyttleton cruise port overview
The cruise port in Lyttleton,
explained
Lat: 43.6°SLong: 172.7°ETimezone: Pacific/AucklandINTN code: LYTNZ
Lyttleton is a small port town located in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is a vibrant and picturesque town with a population of around 3,000 people.
The town is surrounded by hills and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Lyttleton Timeball Station, which was built in 1876 and is the oldest surviving timeball station in the world. The town is also home to a number of galleries, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a variety of shops and boutiques.
Lyttleton is a popular destination for tourists, with its stunning views of the harbour and its close proximity to the city of Christchurch. It is also a great place to explore the outdoors, with a number of walking and cycling trails, as well as a number of beaches and parks.
Lyttleton is a great place to visit, with its unique culture, stunning scenery, and friendly locals.
Ships visiting
6 lines
9 ships call at Lyttleton
Peak passenger day
3,734
cruise passengers ashore
Excursions from
$20
per person · 143 tours
Most ships dock at
8:00 AM
arrival for 69% of calls
Average port time
10h
alongside, typical call
Excursions in Lyttleton start at $20.
Browse Lyttleton excursions// Lyttleton Cruise Deals
Price drops on cruises to Lyttleton
83 cruises stop here in Lyttleton during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Lyttleton cruise's 90-day average.
Prices refreshed daily
Royal Princess
39% offinside
Royal Princess
29% offoceanview
Royal Princess
23% offoceanview
Celebrity Edge
16% offbalcony
Coral Princess
16% offbalcony
Royal Princess
14% offoceanview
MS Westerdam
13% offsuite
// Lyttleton Cruise Port location
Where is Lyttleton Cruise Port?
Lyttleton (Christchurch) cruise port is located in the South Island of New Zealand, on the east coast of the Canterbury region. It is situated at the head of Lyttleton Harbour, which is the largest natural harbour in the South Island. The port is just a few kilometres from the city centre of Christchurch, and is easily accessible by road and rail. The port is well-equipped to handle cruise ships, with a modern terminal building, a range of amenities, and plenty of parking.
- General location
- South Pacific
- Category
- South Pacific - Australia
- Coordinates
- 43.61°S, 172.72°E
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
Cruise port · 43.61°S, 172.72°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Lyttleton cruise port guide
What to do in Lyttleton
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Your day ashore
You'll have about 10 hours in Lyttleton. Most ships dock around 8:00 AM.
Median across 29 scheduled calls
Ways to spend the day
3 themesTheme 1
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore the waters of Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand. There are a variety of kayaking tours available, ranging from easy to challenging. From the Avon River to the Akaroa Harbour, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the area. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle or a more strenuous adventure, Lyttleton (Christchurch) has something for everyone.
Theme 2
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to explore the streets of Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand. There are a variety of cycling routes to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. From the city centre to the Port Hills, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the area. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a more strenuous adventure, Lyttleton (Christchurch) has something for everyone.
Theme 3
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. From the Port Hills to the Banks Peninsula, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the area. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, Lyttleton (Christchurch) has something for everyone.
Lyttleton cruise port beaches
3 in our guideG
Godley Head Beach
Godley Head Beach is a popular beach located near Lyttleton, New Zealand. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The beach is also known for its stunning views of the nearby mountains and the Lyttleton Harbour. It is a great spot for a relaxing day out or a romantic evening stroll.
T
Taylors Mistake Beach
Taylors Mistake Beach is a popular beach located near Lyttleton, New Zealand. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The beach is also known for its stunning views of the nearby mountains and the Lyttleton Harbour. It is a great spot for a relaxing day out or a romantic evening stroll.
S
Sumner Beach
Sumner Beach is a popular beach located near Lyttleton, New Zealand. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The beach is also known for its stunning views of the nearby mountains and the Lyttleton Harbour. It is a great spot for a relaxing day out or a romantic evening stroll.
// Lyttleton fun facts
The Lyttelton Arts Factory
The Lyttelton Arts Factory is a vibrant arts centre located in the heart of Lyttelton. It is home to a range of art galleries, workshops, and performance spaces. The Arts Factory also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theatre performances.
The Lyttelton Timeball Station
The Lyttelton Timeball Station is a historic building located in Lyttelton. It was built in 1876 and was used to signal the time to ships in the harbour. The timeball was dropped from the top of the tower at 1pm every day, and was a useful tool for ships to set their chronometers. The station is now a museum and is open to the public.
The World's Steepest Street
Lyttelton is home to the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street. It has a gradient of 35% and is located in the suburb of North East Valley in Dunedin. The street is a popular tourist attraction and is the site of the annual Baldwin Street Gutbuster race, which involves running up the street's steep incline.
Lyttleton cruise port shopping
3 in our guideR
Re:START Mall
Re:START Mall is a vibrant shopping center located in the heart of Christchurch. It is made up of a collection of colorful shipping containers, each housing a unique boutique or store. Here you can find a variety of souvenirs, from traditional Maori carvings to modern New Zealand art and jewelry. There are also plenty of clothing stores, gift shops, and specialty stores to explore. Re:START Mall is a great place to find unique and memorable souvenirs to take home from your trip to Lyttleton.
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The Tannery
The Tannery is a unique shopping experience located in the heart of Christchurch. It is a large complex of shops, restaurants, and cafes, all housed in a restored woolen mill. The Tannery offers a wide variety of souvenirs, from traditional Maori carvings to contemporary New Zealand art and jewelry. There are also plenty of clothing stores, gift shops, and specialty stores to explore. The Tannery is a great place to find unique and memorable souvenirs to take home from your trip to Lyttleton.
T
The Arts Centre
The Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Christchurch. It is home to a variety of galleries, shops, and cafes, all housed in a restored historic building. Here you can find a variety of souvenirs, from traditional Maori carvings to modern New Zealand art and jewelry. There are also plenty of clothing stores, gift shops, and specialty stores to explore. The Arts Centre is a great place to find unique and memorable souvenirs to take home from your trip to Lyttleton.
// Lyttleton Cruise Port Terminals
Which Lyttleton cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
2 piers in Lyttleton
Pier 1 of 2
Lyttelton Cruise Ship Terminal
Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, London Street, Lyttelton, Christchurch 8082, New ZealandThe Lyttelton Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is the main port for cruise ships visiting the South Island of New Zealand. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger lounge, a café, and a gift shop. It also offers a range of shore excursions and activities for visitors.
Pier 2 of 2
Port of Lyttelton
London Street, Lyttelton, Christchurch 8082, New ZealandThe Port of Lyttelton is the main port for cruise ships visiting the South Island of New Zealand. It is located in the Lyttelton Harbour, just outside of Christchurch. The port offers a range of services and facilities, including a passenger lounge, a café, and a gift shop. It also provides a range of shore excursions and activities for visitors.
Wi-Fi
The Lyttelton Port of Christchurch offers free wifi access to passengers and visitors. The wifi network is called "Lyttelton Port Free Wifi" and can be accessed from any device with wifi capabilities.
Safety
Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand is a very safe cruise port. The port is located in a secure area and is well-monitored by the local police. The port also has a strict security policy in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. Additionally, the port is located in a relatively low-crime area, making it a safe place to visit.
Port address
Lyttelton Port CompanyPO Box 5Lyttelton 8082New Zealand
Lyttleton cruise port car rental
Avis Car RentalHertz Car RentalBudget Car RentalThrifty Car RentalEuropcar Car Rental
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
// Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand cruise port excursions
Most Popular Lyttleton Cruise Port Tours
143 excursions · book direct with the operator
Independent shore excursions in Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.
Best Lyttleton shore tours
Curated from 143 · not a search result
4.8(239)$175
Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)
Worry-free4.6(226)$66
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights
Worry-free4.6(217)$114
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center
5.0(166)$199
Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch
Worry-free5.0(140)$233
Discover Christchurch Tour
4.7(112)$233
Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo
5.0(106)$58
Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts
Worry-free4.6(90)$99
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour
// Weather
Lyttleton Cruise Port Weather
South Pacific - Australia·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Lyttleton
48°
Avg · °F
Mild, occasional showers
- High
- 72°F
- Low
- 28°F
- Rain
- 2.3 in
// Year-round in Lyttleton
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Avg temp °FRainfall in
// Lyttleton cruise ship schedule
Lyttleton Cruise Port Traffic Today
No cruise ships are scheduled in Lyttleton today, Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.
Schedule updated
Planning around the crowds?
- Lyttleton cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
- Slowest & busiest day analysis
- Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
// Keep exploring
Also on your cruise
100% of Lyttleton cruises also call at one of these.
// Questions
Lyttleton cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Lyttleton.
Where is Lyttleton cruise port located?
Lyttleton (christchurch), New Zealand cruise port is located in South Pacific. Lyttleton (Christchurch) cruise port is located in the South Island of New Zealand, on the east coast of the Canterbury region. It is situated at the head of Lyttleton Harbour, which is the largest natural harbour in the South Island. The port is just a few kilometres from the city centre of Christchurch, and is easily accessible by road and rail. The port is well-equipped to handle cruise ships, with a modern terminal building, a range of amenities, and plenty of parking.
Is Lyttleton a good cruise port to visit?
Yes, Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand is a great cruise port. It is the gateway to the South Island and offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Cruise ships dock at the port, which is located in the heart of the city, and passengers can explore the city's many attractions, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the International Antarctic Centre. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area.
How safe is Lyttleton cruise port for passengers?
Lyttleton cruise port has a safety score of 8.0 out of 10, ranking #161 of 318 ports in South Pacific. Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand is a very safe cruise port. The port is located in a secure area and is well-monitored by the local police. The port also has a strict security policy in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. Additionally, the port is located in a relatively low-crime area, making it a safe place to visit.
What is the weather like at Lyttleton cruise port in September?
In September, Lyttleton cruise port has average high temperatures of 72°F (22°C) and average lows of 28°F (-2°C).
How many excursions are available at Lyttleton cruise port?
There are currently 143 excursions and tours available at Lyttleton cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
What are the top things to do at Lyttleton cruise port?
Lyttleton cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Kayaking, Cycling, Hiking. Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. It is a great place to explore the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. There are also plenty of beaches and parks to explore, as well as a variety of cultural attractions. The area is also home to a number of historic sites, including a number of old churches and buildings. Lyttleton is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy, as well as a variety of shops and markets.
Can I rent a car at Lyttleton cruise port?
The closest car rental options near Lyttleton (Christchurch) cruise port are:1. Avis Car Rental: Located just a few minutes away from the cruise port, Avis offers a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.2. Hertz Car Rental: Hertz is located just a few minutes away from the cruise port and offers a variety of vehicles to choose from, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.3. Budget Car Rental: Budget is located just a few minutes away from the cruise port and offers a variety of vehicles to choose from, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.4. Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty is located just a few minutes away from the cruise port and offers a variety of vehicles to choose from, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.5. Europcar Car Rental: Europcar is located just a few minutes away from the cruise port and offers a variety of vehicles to choose from, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.
What is the WiFi situation at Lyttleton cruise port?
The Lyttelton Port of Christchurch offers free wifi access to passengers and visitors. The wifi network is called "Lyttelton Port Free Wifi" and can be accessed from any device with wifi capabilities.
Where is the cruise terminal at Lyttleton cruise port?
The address of Lyttleton (Christchurch), New Zealand cruise port is:Lyttelton Port CompanyPO Box 5Lyttelton 8082New Zealand
What is the Lyttleton Cruise Port cruise schedule?
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Lyttleton today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Lyttleton on any past or future date.