From October to April, some 60 ships will visit this port, and for many of their visitors this will be a favourite destination because of the chance to see a working port up close and visit a charming village so different from some of the larger ports on the ship’s journeys.

Cruise ship viewing from land and from sea:

Cruise ships arriving and berthing at Lyttelton Port make an impressive sight. The biggest of them – The Diamond Princess and her sister ship The Sapphire Princess - have the capacity to carry 2,670 passengers and 1,200 crew.

There are several good viewing points for visitors around the township. The most popular are the Timeball Station, the fishing wharf or Windy Point. If you'd like to know more about the ships you are looking at, pop into the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre. We have a detailed book on all of the ships that visit during the season. During the season, local tour operator Black Cat also operates special cruises to escort some of the larger boats out of the port. http://www...blackcat.co.nz/

See http://www.lpc.co.nz/RP.jasc?session=8B5E5F7EC0EA4099941AB282A9DD34&Page=N88P2 for a map of viewing points.

Collecting a cruise ship passenger:

To collect a passenger from a visiting cruiseship please wait for your guest at the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre 20 Oxford St Lyttelton. Passengers are unable to walk independently from the cruise ship berth into the township. A port company shuttle bus will drop your visitor at our door. While you wait, feel free to look at our latest exhibition, collect visitor information or simply sit and wait.

Information for Independent Sightseeing Passengers:

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism staff are on hand to greet all ships and provide passengers with information about Lyttelton and Christchurch city. If you choose to do sightseeing independent from your ship you will be bussed into the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre. Remember to take your cruise card and photographic ID. From our Centre you will be able to book tours, find out what to do in Lyttelton or catch the local bus 28, 35 into Christchurch. This is a half hour journey and costs $2.80NZD per journey. You pay the driver directly. Most visiting ships require you to be back in Lyttelton by 5pm at the latest so you can catch the last shuttle back to the ship.

We recommend visitors to our port take a stroll around Lyttelton. Visit the Timeball Station, museums, cafes and, if you are feeling energetic, walk the Bridle Path.