Lyttelton (Christchurch)

Lyttelton is the port for Christchurch, sitting inside the crater of an extinct volcano on Banks Peninsula. The harbour is a flooded volcanic crater, which gives it a dramatic setting. A road tunnel connects Lyttelton to Christchurch (about 15 minutes by shuttle or bus). The town itself has a small main street with cafés, galleries, and a Saturday farmers' market. Christchurch is still rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake, and the mix of new architecture, empty lots, and construction creates an unusual feel. The Cardboard Cathedral (temporary replacement for the damaged Christ Church Cathedral) is worth seeing. The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park are the green heart of the city. The Antarctic Centre near the airport has interactive exhibits about the continent. Akaroa, a former French settlement on Banks Peninsula, is about 90 minutes from Lyttelton and has wildlife cruises to see Hector's dolphins. New Zealand dollars are the currency.