Family Day Out in Lyttleton with Kids

By Auckland for Kids
Published: September 8, 2023
Updated: Friday 8 September 2023

Nestled on the scenic shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Lyttelton is a charming port town that offers a myriad of exciting activities for families on holiday. With its stunning landscapes, rich maritime history, and an abundance of kid-friendly attractions, Lyttelton is the perfect destination to visit on a day trip from Christchurch or to include in your itinerary on a longer South Island family holiday.

How do you get to Lyttleton?

To reach the picturesque town of Lyttelton from Christchurch by car, take State Highway 74 (SH74), also known as the Lyttelton Tunnel Road, Beginning in the city, follow the well-marked signs for SH74, and you’ll soon find yourself on a road that winds its way through the Port Hills. The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the Lyttelton Road Tunnel, an engineering marvel that passes beneath the hills and emerges on the other side with stunning vistas of Lyttelton Harbour. The drive typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

OUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT IN LYTTELTON

Quail Island

Begin your Lyttelton adventure with a visit to Quail Island, a tranquil natural haven just a short ferry ride away. Explore walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife spotting opportunities, including penguins, sea lions, and native bird species. The island’s calm waters also make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling in summer, ensuring a day of fun-filled exploration for the entire family.

Nature Exploration Tip for Kids: Bring along binoculars, a magnifying glass, or a wildlife guidebook to enhance the nature exploration experience for your kids.

Lyttelton Farmers’ Market

For a taste of local culture and cuisine, don’t miss the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday morning. Here, you can sample delicious New Zealand produce, gourmet treats, and handmade crafts. Let your kids pick out fresh fruits, pastries, and snacks so they enjoy visiting the market as much as the adults do!

Try Before You Buy: Allow your children to sample some of the local produce and snacks offered for tasting at the stalls before purchasing. It can be a fun way for them to discover new flavours.

Timeball Station

Take a step back in time at the Lyttelton Timeball Station. Learn about the town’s maritime history and the role the Timeball played in guiding ships into the port. The timeball drops at 1pm each day. It’s a steep uphill walk to the timeball station, so allow enough time for the kids to reach the top for 1pm. There are some stunning views across to Diamond Harbour from the top too.

Godley Head Coastal Walk

Experience Lyttelton’s stunning natural beauty with a family-friendly hike along the Godley Head Coastal Walk. This easy trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the opportunity to spot seals and seabirds. Pack a picnic and make a day of it while exploring World War II-era bunkers along the way.

Family Adventure: Make the hike a fun adventure by turning it into a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to spot along the way, such as specific plants, birds, or interesting rocks.

Corsair Bay

Another beautiful beach in the vicinity, Corsair Bay offers crystal-clear waters and a sheltered bay, making it perfect for swimming and water activities. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the beach with your kids. There’s also a playground nearby to keep the little ones entertained.

Beach Safety Tip: Teach your children about water safety and supervise them closely while they’re in the water.

Lyttelton Recreation Ground

For some traditional outdoor fun, head to the Lyttelton Recreation Ground. This spacious park features playgrounds, sports fields, and ample green space for picnics and games. Let your kids run off their energy while you soak in the scenic views of the harbor.

Sun Protection: New Zealand’s sun can be strong event if it does not feel hot, so ensure your children are well-protected with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise

Embark on a thrilling wildlife cruise around Lyttelton Harbour. Many operators offer family-friendly tours that provide opportunities to spot dolphins, seals, and various seabirds in their natural habitat. Your children will be captivated by the beauty of the marine life.

Seasickness Precautions: If your kids are prone to seasickness, consider giving them motion sickness medication before the cruise.

Governors Bay

Just a short drive from Lyttelton, Governors Bay is a picturesque village with stunning views and a lovely beach. Spend a relaxing day here, build sandcastles, or take a dip in the calm waters. The Governors Bay Hotel is a great spot for a family lunch with a view.

Beach Toys: Bring along beach toys like buckets and spades to keep your little ones entertained in the sand.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN LYTTLETON?

Enjoy a family meal together at one of Lyttleton's kid-friendly eateries

Lyttelton has some family friendly places to choose from to eat out, Choose from
– the waterfront restaurant Civil & Naval which has a children’s menu,
– Tommy Chang’s Asian Street Food with kid friendly options like dumplings, noodles and fried rice
– Wunderbar serves pizzas, burgers and other food that kids will like
– The Galley Cafe & Bar has stunning view and a children’s menu.
– The Shroom Room is a cute cafe for a relaxed meal together
– Lyttelton Fishers serves fresh fish and chips
– The Dubliner is an Irish themed pub with classic pub fare.

Browse the shops in Lyttleton

There are craft and souveir shops in town, but we like the Lyttel Bookshop which has a good selection of books for all ages of children and for adults, SHE Universe chocolate shop and Made in Lyttleton which sells locally made crafts, gifts and home decor.

Lyttelton, with its blend of natural beauty and historical charm, provides a wonderful backdrop for family adventures. Whether you’re exploring Quail Island, learning about maritime history at the Timeball Station, or enjoying the simple pleasures of a day at the beach, Lyttelton offers a diverse range of activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained on holiday. Plan your trip to this enchanting New Zealand destination, and create lasting memories with your family amidst the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality of Lyttelton.