Lyttelton, New Zealand

Lyttelton
Lyttelton inner harbour and township in February 2010
Interactive map of Lyttelton
Coordinates: 43°36′S 172°43′E / 43.60°S 172.72°E / -43.60; 172.72
CountryNew Zealand
RegionCanterbury
Local authorityChristchurch City Council
WardBanks Peninsula
CommunityTe Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityChristchurch City Council
 • Regional councilEnvironment Canterbury
 • Mayor of ChristchurchPhil Mauger
 • Banks Peninsula MPVanessa Weenink
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
 • Total
4.52 km2 (1.75 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
3,220
 • Density712/km2 (1,850/sq mi)
Postcode
8082

Lyttelton (Māori: Ōhinehou or Riritana) is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō, on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is separated from Christchurch by the Port Hills, an eroded remnant of the extinct Banks Peninsula Volcano.

The Port of Lyttelton was historically regarded as the "Gateway to Canterbury" for colonial settlers. It is the South Island's principal goods-transport terminal, handling 34% of exports and 61% of imports by value, and is also a regular destination for cruise ships.