13km south of Christchurch, on a sheltered natural harbor formed by the crater of an extinct volcano, is the port of Lyttleton (pop. 3000). It is named after Lord Lyttleton, a leading member of the Canterbury Association (Christchurch, History), which during the 19th C. was the gateway of New Zealand for many thousands of immigrants. The
pilgrims of Christchurch landed in 1850 on the northwestern shore of Lyttleton Harbour, which is still the city's port. The arrival of the pilgrims is commemorated annually on December 16th by the Bridle Path Walk (8km) from the harbor over the steep hills to Christchurch. A railroad tunnel was driven through the hills in 1867, followed in 1964 by a road tunnel; both provide good connections between Lyttleton and Christchurch.
The best features in the town can be seen by following the Lyttleton Historic Walk. Information can be obtained in the excellent Lyttleton Historical Museum on Gladstone Quay, which in addition to its material on local history has sections on oceanography and Antarctic exploration.
Notable buildings are Holy Trinity Church (1860; Anglican), St Joseph's Church (1865; RC) and the Presbyterian Church (1864) in Winchester Street.