Lyttelton (Māori: Ōhinehou) is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour, at the north-western end of Banks Peninsula and close to Christchurch, on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Due to its establishment as a landing point for Christchurch-bound seafarers, Lyttelton has historically been regarded as the "Gateway to Canterbury" for colonial settlers. The port remains a regular destination for cruise liners and is the South Island's principal goods transport terminal, handling 34% of exports and 61% of imports by value. In 2009 Lyttelton was awarded Category I Historic Area status by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) defined as "an area of special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value". According to the 2013 census, the usual resident population of Lyttelton, including neighbouring communities of Rapaki, Cass Bay and Corsair Bay, was 2,859.

Planning a vacation to Lyttelton in New Zealand? This vacation planner will provide you with all the essential information you need. This city is located in the close proximity of a major city Kaikoura, New Zealand. Kaikoura is bestowed with interesting set of attractions like Tranzalpine Ride, International Antarctic Centre, Canterbury Museum. Also, to reach Lyttelton, you'll have to take a flight to Kaikoura; so its not really a detour. And even if it is, the city is worth paying at least a quick visit. Tour packages of Lyttelton are of 1 to 2 days duration.