Christchurch (Lyttelton) - Docking

Lyttelton inner harbour is small and very busy with commercial traffic. Te Ana Marina has berths available for visiting yachts with water and electricity. There are showers and laundry available. There is no fuel available at the marina. You need to go through the tunnel to Christchurch with jerry cans, or speak to the marina office to arrange a tanker.

Anchorages:

There are some very good anchorages around Lyttelton Harbour.  Most of the harbour is good anchoring in thick mud.

Corsair Bay

The closest anchorage to Lyttelton is in Corsair Bay which offers good holding in mud. It is a lovely spot to anchor out of the prevailing easterly breeze but is exposed to southerly winds.   You can anchor outside the moored boats. There is a ramp at Naval Point Club Lyttelton - ask at the office if you can leave your dinghy there.  Watch out for the underwater cable - see the signs and chart when anchoring.

Diamond Harbour

Located on the southern side of the harbour, this spot is protected in most winds except from the NW.  Southerly fronts can be very strong but are well predicted. There is a regular passenger ferry from here to Lyttlelton.

Purau Bay

Located to the east of Diamond Harbour, this is another good sheltered spot in NW and S winds.   Naval Point Club has moorings.  Ask for permission before using.  There are no public moorings available - all moorings in the bay are privately owned.

Dinghy docks:

Diamond Harbour wharf has a dinghy dock. Park well clear of the passenger ferry and where children jump in the water. There is no dinghy dock at the marina.

Last updated:  September 2022