A Day In Lyttelton

The dining scene in Lyttelton is supreme, and that starts with breakfast and brunch.

For coffee lovers, a morning spent at Spooky Boogie is always a great idea. The coffee experts will ensure you are properly caffeinated, and you can even top up on some freshly roasted coffee beans while you’re there. Sip and browse as you explore the quirky shop filled with art, gifts and records.

For a hearty breaky that focuses on plant-based food, head straight for The Shroom Room. Serving up vegetarian and vegan delights, there is a tasty sit-in menu as well as delicious cabinet food to grab for on the go.

Since you are in Lyttelton, an iconic bite to try is Hope River Pies. Trust us when we say, these pies are seriously good. As an 18-year-old establishment, you can guarantee that they have mastered the art of a perfect pie. Perfect for a quick bite on the go, opt for one of the classic flavours or something more adventurous. Vegetarian options are also available.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Lyttelton breakfast highlight without a mention of The Farmers’ Market. Taking place every Saturday from 10am-1pm, the market is home to a collection of local vendors who not only sell fresh produce, eggs, meat and bread, but also the most delicious options for a flavour packed first meal of the day.

Once you are fuelled for the day, it’s time for a wander around the charming streets of Lyttelton township. London Street is home to many small artisan businesses, selling handcrafted, unique treasures, so you will love checking out the different offerings and unique products available.

Check out Henry Trading for incredible homewares and one-off finds, Ata Ceramics for beautiful, handcrafted ceramics, Harbour Co-op for organic wholefoods, Lyttelton Street Vintage for one of a kind finds or the Lyttel Kiwi Gift Shop where you will find products from over 35 small New Zealand businesses and artists.

It truly is a town full of treasures to be found, so be sure to pick yourself out something special.

It is time to head out on the water and explore a little further afield and Black Cat Cruises know how to show off the coolest little areas and islands nearby. Tucked close against the southern shore of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, the small island of Ripapa is an amazing spot to check out. Home to a fortified pa built by Ngāi Tahu, and what would later become a fortress to defend against possible Russian attacks, Ripapa is full of incredible history.

There are other islands to explore too, including Quail Island and Diamond Harbour, each with unique beauty, wildlife and history to be found.

After a day fuelled with fun, sun and good times, a refreshment is in order, and Lyttelton’s bar scene is one of the greatest pockets of local gems in the city.

Eruption Brewing is the place to go for all craft beer lovers. The locally owned micro-brewery, bar and restaurant in the heart of Lyttelton makes authentic handcrafted beers using New Zealand ingredients. Plus the views of the harbour are second to none.

If you want somewhere quiet and comfortable, head to Civil and Naval. Small and intimate, with a thoughtful offering of drinks and tasty food. Whatever you do, don’t go past the Civil Fried Chicken with Big Mac Sauce.

For a true Lyttelton experience, a visit to Wunderbar is a must. Priding itself on all things odd and unique, you’ll find a space like no other, and a vibe that is as weird as it is wonderful. Known for groovy music gigs, Wunderbar is a great place to grab a drink and hopefully catch some of the regular local musicians.

Lyttelton has a fascinating history and there are a few ways to learn and experience the stories of Lyttelton’s past while visiting the town.

A rare piece of maritime history, Lyttelton’s Timeball is a reminder of the town’s important maritime location. The Timeball Station is open to the public and boasts spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour. Timeball stations were important visual signals in many of the world's ports enabling correct ships' chronometers and accurate navigation. However many were discontinued after radio signals were invented. The Lyttelton Timeball Station is one of only five in the world known to be still working.

Add a visit to the Torpedo Boat Museum in the Old Powder Magazine Building to your afternoon and see a piece of history with the partly restored 1885 Lyttleton torpedo boat and an example of a steam engine that once powered it. Check out the scale model and historical documentary to learn more about how these boats worked.

Dinner at one of the town’s restaurants is the very best way to round out a delightful day in Lyttelton.

Overlooking the idyllic Lyttelton Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you will find the freshest seafood prepared with maximum flavour in mind. Some of the world’s finest and most sustainable seafood is caught only a few kilometres from their restaurant before it lands on your table. Dive into Fisherman’s most popular dish, the Seafood Sizzle Plate – a medley of fresh fish, shellfish and squid served on coconut-infused jasmine rice.

Sherpa Kai is another local gem that serves up tasty, Napali inspired dishes. With locally sourced ingredients at the centre, the team focus on simple food done well, so you can bet this cosy spot makes for a unique dinner that will satisfy your tastebuds. You'll find great options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free requirements too.

For Asian-fusion deliciousness, be sure to check out SUPER. With a focus on fresh, local and organic ingredients, their dishes take flavourful cuisine to new heights. The menu is full of mouth-watering options - try the okonomiyaki hotcakes with teriyaki-glazed Akaroa salmon, or one of their steamed Bao burgers.

Can't go past a good pizza? Luckily Arbour Woodfired Pizza has you covered. The restaurant uses almost exclusively Aotearoa-sourced ingredients, producing artisanal pizzas you can’t get anywhere else. How do they do it? A beautiful woodfired oven, ideal for crisp toppings and hand-stretched dough. Named after trees in te reo Māori, Arbour’s pizzas showcase a Kiwi twist on the Italian classic.