Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Quiet bay with safe swimming |
Governors Bay Road Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This pretty, semicircular bay nestled in Lyttelton harbour, is overlooked by brooding volcanic outcrops and features a narrow beach of coarse volcanic stones. A grassy lawn sweeps down to the beach, and a couple of spreading gum trees provide shade on those hot Canterbury summer days. A colourful collection of yachts lie moored in the bay and resident ducks will gladly gobble up your picnic titbits. There are toilets, picnic tables and an adventure playground sited on a patch of flat ground, above the beach. An easy-graded walking track connects the bay with Corsair Bay and Lyttelton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Pearson |
|
Secluded bay near Lyttelton |
Governor's Bay Road Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This tiny, secluded bay lies just around the point from Lyttelton Harbour. Hemmed on both sides by wooded headlands, the bay has safe swimming from a small beach of white pebbles and coarse sand. There are changing sheds for ladies and gentlemen, picnic tables, toilets and an adventure playground for the kiddies when they tire of frolicking in the water. An easy walking track links the bay with Lyttelton and Cass Bay. The concrete wall on the west side of the bay is the remains of a salt-water swimming pool where Victorian ladies could preserve their modesty while bathing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Danielle Palmer |
|
Volcanic rock and panoramic views |
Adjacent Dyer Pass Road and Summit Road Port Hills Christchurch New Zealand |
A few million years ago, Lttyleton Volcano spewed out molten lava that flowed down the slopes to the harbour below. Today, the volcano lies dormant but its legacy of amazing rock formations lives on. The Crater Rim Walkway is a great way to explore these rocks, not to mention enjoy magnificent views of Banks Peninsula, Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch City and the Canterbury Plains. Commencing at the Sign of the Takeha (just above Dyers Pass Road), the walkway also provides access to remnants of native forest and areas where replanting of native and exotic trees has occurred. Pick up a Department of Conservation guide at the Christchurch Visitors Centre to work out how much of the walk you want to complete--at 17 kilometers, many people only tackle a small section at a time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Pearson |
 Photo: Phillip Pearson |
 Photo: Jan R. Ludwig |
|
One of the larger bays |
Main Road Governors Bay Christchurch 8033 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
One of the larger bays in Lyttelton Harbour, this is a popular choice for those escaping the hubbub of Christchurch. There is good fishing from the long wooden jetty, which juts 100 meters into the bay. Graceful poplar trees line the perimeter of the bay and a walking track leads from the bottom of Jetty Road around to Sandy Beach, where there is safe, if somewhat tidal, swimming. There are good views of the harbor from Faulkner's Track, which climbs the steep hill behind the village from Faulkner's Lane. The Smuggler's Rest pub provides refreshments for thirsty beachcombers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pieterjan Oomen |
 Photo: Pieterjan Oomen |
 Photo: Flavio Riviere |
 Photo: Paul Foot  |
 Photo: audra_nz2usa |
 Photo: Missy Elle |
 Photo: Matt Green |
 |
Christchurch New Zealand |
The town of Lyttelton was only connected to the city of Christchurch by tunnel in 1964, but now it is a thriving port, and the South Island's most important. The old Gaol, the Time Ball Station, and the Wonderbar are all places worth visiting in this charming seaside village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shadows of Christchurch |
 Photo: Shadows of Christchurch |
 Photo: Irene Shcwarz Poulsen |
 Photo: John Saunders |
 Photo: ara44 |
 Photo: jochen2nz |
 Photo: stacy786733 |
 Photo: David Choy |
 Photo: Ian Weir |
 Photo: Nick Scott |
 Photo: Ciaran Fox |
 Photo: Chris Flack |
 Photo: Fiona Newsome |
 Photo: Angus Chen |
 Photo: Morgan Meyers |
 Photo: Robert Kraut |
 Photo: genii_79 |
 Photo: Allayne Woodford |
 Photo: Chris Brown |
 Photo: Kimwood |
|
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 |
|
Historical harbour building |
Reserve Road Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 7311 |
The historic, stone, Lyttelton Timeball Station, on a hill overlooking Christchurch's picturesque Lyttelton Harbour, was built in an era when the region's only links with the outside world were by sea. For over 50 years, from 1876, the Lyttelton Timeball signalled Greenwich Mean Time to all ships in the busy harbour below, helping to ensure maritime safety. The building is one of about twelve "timeballs" in the world still working. Built by prisoners from the nearby jail, the Timeball Station is an important example of mechanical engineering of the times. This interesting castle-like building is also worth the climb for the great harbour view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Views, parks and walkways |
Whitewash Head Drive Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand |
For breathtaking views of the coastline all the way to the Kaikoura Ranges, check out Scarborough Hill. Beginning at the end of the seaside suburb of Sumner (15-20 minutes from city central), the walking tracks have frequent resting spots, with stone seats strategically placed to allow you to catch your breathe (it is a steep climb!). Once at the top, walk along the cliff crest to Nicholson Park to find Christchurch's best-placed swing, flying out over Sumner and the rest of the world. If, however, that all seems too much, then drive. Apart from being quicker and less exhausting, it is much easier to drive when bringing a picnic basket with you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Historic hillside tea rooms |
Summit Road Port Hills Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 329 9966 |
High on the Port Hills, at the junction of the Christchurch-Lyttelton Harbour road and the scenic Summit Road, near Victoria Park, sits the curiously-named, quaint, stone building, Sign of the Kiwi. Opened in 1917 as a tearoom and rest house, it is one of a chain of interesting buildings, which includes the Sign of the Takahe (now a fine dining restaurant) further down the hill. Built by local politician and visionary, Henry Ell, in the early 1900s and used as staging posts along a hillside tourist route, Sign of the Kiwi is now a shop and cafe--and the view is great. Directly behind is Coronation Hill Reserve, with walking tracks, which traverse this old volcanic area. All-day menu available, including sandwiches, scones, and nachos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Drew Mackie |
 Photo: Jacqui Stokes |
 Photo: Thomas Lauterbach |
 Photo: daniel1900 |
 Photo: RainmanEverson |
|
Spit across to Sumner |
Marine Parade Southshore Christchurch 8007 New Zealand +64 (0)3 382 1678 (Parks Unit Coast Care) |
The southern limit of Brighton Beach, this wilderness of sedge grass, hummocky dunes and stunted shrubs is an important bird-nesting area. There is good surfcasting at the mouth of the Estuary, but exercise care when fishing or swimming, as there are strong rips and unpredictable currents. There is a walking track and several information panels outlining some of the plant and bird life at Spit Reserve (at the end of the spit). At this point, it is only a short distance across to Shag Rock on the Sumner shore; so short you could almost "spit" across the divide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Christchurch's most picturesque beach |
The Esplanade Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9629 (Christchurch & Canterbury Visitors Centre) |
Generations of Cantabrians (locals) have promenaded down the Esplanade, which overlooks this idyllic stretch of ocean, renowned for safe swimming and good surfing. Dominating this patrolled beach is Cave Rock, a protrusion of volcanic stone through which the sea has eroded a large cavern. At low tide you can walk right through the cave to an assortment of limpet-encrusted rock pools, each one a tiny, self-contained ecosystem. Beware of deep holes scoured around some rocks. Toilets and changing sheds are available. There are also plenty of cafes and stores on The Esplanade and in nearby Sumner village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: womenshouldntwearclothes |
 Photo: Amie LaRouche |