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 Cruise on the Black Cat |
Charlotte Jane Quay Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 304 7641 (Akaroa) / +64 (0)3 328 9078 / +64 0800 43 6574 (Freephone New Zealand) http://www.blackcat.co.nz |
This fast-moving catamaran navigates the Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbor. This is a great way to see the marine birdlife and the world's most endangered dolphin—the Hector dolphin. For a close encounter you can swim with the dolphins on a special guided tour. Evening champagne cruises are available. Cruises are two hours, swimming with the dolphins three hours. Check the web site for departure times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Settlers' route over Port Hills |
Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This historic track was hastily built in January 1851 to provide settlers with a route over the Port Hills. A road to Sumner was supposed to have been completed before the arrival of the "First Four Ships", but lack of funds stalled its completion until 1857. From Bridle Path Road, Lyttelton, the track climbs steeply up the scrubby face passing several benches where you can rest your legs, and imagine the early settlers lugging their belongings over the hill to the swampland below. At the Summit Road there is a shelter then the track descends gradually into the Heathcote Valley through scattered eucalyptus and pine groves. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: parrcath |
 Photo: criemil |
 Photo: Adam Smith |
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Introducing Christchurch City |
PO Box 142 Lyttleton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 9660 http://www.christchurchtours.c... |
This tour of the city is perfect for the traveller seeking a quick orientation tour of Christchurch and its best known landmarks. Starting with the Central City, the tour touches on many of the city's major features, including Hagley Park and Mona Vale gardens, as well as crossing over the Summit Road to take in the port of Lyttelton and Sumner Beach. A full commentary accompanies the tour, and there are several stops with complimentary tea and coffee. A great way to get a feel for the city and its regions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cruise on the Black Cat |
Charlotte Jane Quay Lyttelton Marina Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 3 328 9078 http://www.blackcat.co.nz |
Minutes from downtown Christchurch, you can come face to face with Hector's Dolphin--the world's smallest marine dolphin--in their natural habitat. Hector's Dolphin is unique to New Zealand waters and a population of about 600 live around Banks Peninsula. The ultra-modern Black Cat catamaran takes you out onto the turquoise waters of Lyttelton Harbour, where you can also observe chubby New Zealand fur seals at close range along with another unique resident of Canterbury, the rare White-flippered Blue Penguins. Tours take approximately two hours and include historic settlements, shipwrecks and an island fortress. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Glittering harbour village |
Governors Bay Christchurch 8030 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This tiny bay, with its charming village rambling over a small headland, is situated on the southern shore of Lyttelton Harbour. Sunlight glittering on the water inspired the romantic title, and appropriately there is a sheltered beach with safe swimming, a cliff-top walk and a traditional corner store. The village can be reached via the winding, picturesque road from Governors Bay, which passes through Teddington, Charteris Bay and Church Bay and continues on to Purau Bay and Camp Bay. Alternatively, there is a daily ferry service from Lyttelton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper  |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
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Ahoy there, matey |
Pick up B Jetty Lyttelton 49 Frensham Cress Woolston Christchurch, Canterbury 8062 New Zealand +64 (0)3 389 9259 http://www.jacktarsailing.co.nz |
Ahoy there me old shivering matey! Try your hand at sailing the old-fashioned way, aboard the 32-foot gaff yawl Oyster. Built in Auckland in 1903, the Oyster spent her working life in Nelson where she was a champion racer; she can still manage a respectable eight knots. Learn the ropes under the tutelage of skipper Mike, while viewing Lyttelton Harbour and the hills of Banks Peninsula from an entirely new angle. Dolphins often accompany the Oyster, which is licensed to carry six. Guaranteed to turn landlubbers into Jack Tars (sailors). Check website for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Picturesque deep-water harbour |
Rapaki Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
Originally named Port Cooper by the Canterbury Association, this long harbor, indented with hundreds of coves and bays, stretches deep into Banks Peninsula from Godley Head to Teddington. The "First Four Ships" bearing settlers arrived here in 1850, and the Port of Lyttelton became the main gateway for Canterbury's exports. Take a boat ride to Diamond Harbor, or some of the other historic landmarks in the harbor. For a spectacular view, head up Sumner Road to Windy Rock Point. The busy wharves of Cashin Quay lie directly below, and a plane table identifies distant landmarks on Banks Peninsula. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Hindle |
 Photo: Bjarni Thorbjornsson |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: francoisNZ |
 Photo: J Montagu |
 Canterbury settlers' first foothold |
20 Oxford Street Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This fascinating walk--28 sites outlined in a leaflet available at the Lyttelton Information Centre--chronicles the development of Canterbury's first settlement, following the arrival of the "First Four Ships", and its growth into a thriving harbour town. Where buildings haven't survived the ravages of time, plaques summarise how they appeared in their heyday. Especially noteworthy are Pilgrim's Rock, site of the first jetty and where the Canterbury settlers stepped ashore; the Victorian police station which is the oldest continually-used prison in New Zealand; and the Cemetery, which fans of Peter Jackson's movie, The Frighteners, will recognise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic Port Hills track |
Days Road Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This steep track (two hours return) is named after Major Thomas Hornbrook, a nineteenth century businessman credited with the dubious honour of opening Canterbury's first grog shop. Legendary sheep stealer, James Mackenzie, was recaptured on this track after escaping from the Lyttelton gaol in 1855. From the top of Day's Road, Lyttelton, the track zigzags steeply up the flanks of the Port Hills, through patches of native bush and open tussock faces. From the open ground there are superb views of Lyttelton Harbour and the hills of Banks Peninsula. The track ends at Hornbrooks Pass where there are remnants of military installations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beach, walks, and history |
Lyttelton Harbour Cruises, B Jetty Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 8368 |
Mix together the following ingredients: a boat trip, two excellent walking circuits, a beach, a picnic, and a dash of history. Bake for half a day. The result? A perfect family excursion! Quail Island, in Christchurch's Lyttelton harbour, was once a leper colony and quarantine station. Now managed by the Department of Conservation, you can reach it by ferry from the Lyttelton marina. Bring your own lunch and explore the island's natural and historical features by foot. Suitable for most ages, although the terrain is not suitable for pushchairs. Pay either on the boat (cash only) or at the marina. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: Simon Cobb |
 Photo: Dominik 2008 |
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The disappearing gun |
Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 |
Guarding the approaches to Lyttelton Harbour, this small (1.5 hectare) island has a long history as a fortress. Kai Tahu Maori established a musket pa (fortified village) here in the early 1800s. Europeans later used it as a quarantine station, and makeshift prison. In 1885 during the "Great Russian Scare", when New Zealand was considered to be in imminent danger of invasion by Russia, they built Fort Jervois. Four Armstrong hydro-pneumatic disappearing guns were installed and two of these are still visible. A German naval commander, Count Felix Von Luckner, was imprisoned here during the First World War. Black Cat tours organizes tours to this beautiful site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Armstrong |
