Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND CHRISTCHURCH
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Lyttelton
POP 2860
Southeast of Christchurch are the prominent Port Hills, which slope down to the city's port
on Lyttelton Harbour. Christchurch's first European settlers landed here in 1850 to embark
on their historic trek over the hills. Nowadays a 2km road tunnel makes the journey consid-
erably quicker.
Lyttelton was badly damaged during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, and many of the
town's heritage buildings along London St were subsequently demolished. However Lyt-
telton has re-emerged as one of Christchurch's most interesting communities. The town's
artsy, independent and bohemian vibe is stronger than ever, and it's once again a hub for
good bars, cafes and restaurants. It's well worth catching the bus from Christchurch and
getting immersed in the local scene, especially on a Saturday morning when the market's
buzzing.
From Lyttelton,
Black Cat
( 03-384 0621;
www.blackcat.co.nz
; B Jetty, Lyttelton Wharf)
provide fer-
ries to sheltered Quail Island (adult/child return $25/13, October to April only), as well as
to sleepy Diamond Harbour (adult/child one way $6.20/3.10).
Eating
Lyttelton Farmers' Market
(
www.lyttelton.net.nz
;
London St; 10am-1pm Sat)
Every Saturday morning, food stalls take the
place of cars on Lyttelton's main street. As well as being a great place to stock up on pro-
duce, there's always plenty of baked goods and hot food to snack on. Head around the
corner to the primary school for the concurrent antiques market.
MARKET
$
Samo Lyttelton
(
www.samo.co.nz
;
3 Canterbury St; mains $9-19; 8am-3.30pm)
Following the destruction of local insti-
tution Lyttelton Coffee Company, some of the former staff set up this ramshackle cafe in a
CAFE
$
