"In the Mouth of the Volcano" Top 5 Page for this destination Lyttelton by swissballs

Lyttelton Travel Guide: 121 reviews and 318 photos

Yachts in the Lyttelton Harbour - Lyttelton

Sea Vistas

Lyttelton is a port town, plain and simple. The boats come & the boats go. The people on the boats visit our town including the coastal hostesses and then go again. It's a very transitory type atmosphere due to this. The community has become more arty over the years and the town more attractive as Lyttelton's popularity has raised house prices and encouraged Christchurch (townies) people to move in and do up their 'Lyttelton Villa.

The Volcano

Quail Is - aka the Plug?

The port hills that surround Lyttelton are the remnants of the sides of an old Volcano. Story goes that the volcano had a major eruption some years back and blew out a part of itself letting in the sea (Pacific Ocean) which in turn cooled down the volcano.

Quail Island was believed at one stage to be a cap over the old blow hole but this has been disputed by other 'experts'. Whatever the story it makes for a nice view and good day trip.

Some History

Lyttleton Harbour or Te Whaka-raupo (the harbour of bullrush reeds) became an internationally recognised port through official proclamation on 30th August 1849. The first four ships with the main body of immigrants to the Canterbury settlement arrived soon after. The effect of their coming made an impressive beginning to the new colony. The first four ships were the "Charlotte Jane", "Randolph" (16 December 1850), "Sir George Seymour" (17 December 1850), and "Cressy" (28 December 1850). Lyttelton township and harbour were named after Lord Lyttelton who was the then Chairman of the Canterbury Association .

Canterbury's first printing press arrived on the Charlotte Jane and the first edition of the Lyttelton Times (later the Christchurch Press) was produced in 1851. New Zealand's first telegraph line, between Lyttelton and Christchurch was opened in 1862 and a rail tunnel (the world's first tunnel through volcanic rock) was built in 1867.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The scenery
Cons:The state of the Port
In a nutshell:More than just a place to park your boat

Intro Updated Dec 31, 2005
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Reviews (7)

Timeball Station Things to Do (2)

The Timeball station is part of Lyttelton's historic past and is one of the easiest landmarks to see. It's open daily in... more travel advice

The Pubs of Lyttelton Nightlife (2)

Lyttelton has some interesting pubs including some historic places. The British (1857), The Mitre (1849), Royal, and... more travel advice

The Bridle Path Off The Beaten Path (3)

This is the track that the early settlers used to get thier worldly possessions over the hill and into the marshy land... more travel advice

Stan Helms Track Off The Beaten Path (3)

This track is a bit more challenging in places than some of the others & provides some different views of the harbour... more travel advice

Comments (6)

fishandchips Jun 24, 2007 at 1:51 PM Report Abuse

Txs for visitng my Melbourne page. Like your Lyttelton info!!
Sininen Dec 5, 2006 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

Good start...more tips and pictures wanted! Happy birthday from Finland!
kopwint Dec 5, 2006 at 8:25 AM Report Abuse

NZ and AUS is my dream land to visit in my night dream just imagine,so get see from your fotos,thanks,and happy and free in your birthday.
KiKitC Dec 5, 2006 at 3:42 AM Report Abuse

Hope your birthday is a huge party!...and are you are regular at Wunderbar? Cheers!
CanterburyCath Mar 28, 2006 at 7:49 PM Report Abuse

Nice photo's of the Harbour!!
pepples46 Dec 12, 2005 at 7:52 PM Report Abuse

oh yes the Wunderbar Bar, he is quite a character, and controversial at times. good start here, please more ^..^ greets Waltraud