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When it comes to spending a special day with my mum and daughter, nothing beats a little adventure mixed with history, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia. So, when we decided on a day trip to Lyttelton, just a short drive from our hotel in Merivale, I knew we were in for a treat.
The Journey Begins
The day started with us piling into the car, excited for our girls’ day out. The drive from our hotel in the CBD to Lyttelton takes about 20 minutes, and it’s a lovely journey. As we approached the famous Lyttelton Tunnel, I couldn’t help but give a little cheer—ever since I was a kid, the tunnel always feels like the gateway to a different world, and the anticipation in the car was electric. Your kids will love it!
Image Source: Thanks to Lyttelton Farmers Market
A Stroll Through Lyttelton’s History and Markets
Once through the tunnel, Lyttelton’s charm hit us immediately. This port town, steeped in history, has a quirky vibe that makes it perfect for a day of exploration. We headed straight to the Lyttelton Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning, where the vibrant stalls are bursting with local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. The smell of fresh bread, coffee, and pastries was irresistible, and my daughter was thrilled to pick out some sweet treats while Mum and I browsed the stalls, chatting with the friendly vendors.
Lyttelton is known as the gateway to Canterbury, and its history as a bustling port town is still very much alive in its streets. It’s a place where you can feel the echoes of the past mingling with the present, and it makes for the perfect backdrop to our family day.
A Walk to the Timeball Station
After our market adventure, we decided to take a walk up to the Lyttelton Timeball Station, a place that holds a special place in my heart. The Timeball Station, perched high on the hills overlooking the harbour, was designed by my great, great grandfather, Thomas Cane, a Provincial Architect from England. He studied architecture in France and brought those influences to New Zealand when he designed the station in 1876. Knowing that my family’s history was so deeply intertwined with this landmark made the visit more special.
As we walked up the hill, the views over Lyttelton Harbour were breathtaking. When we reached the Timeball Station, I was struck by how well the repairs had preserved the essence and mechanical brilliance of this iconic structure, despite the damage it suffered during the 2011 earthquakes. I remember being on-site, lucky to view the hidden plaques that were found during the reconstruction. Running my fingers across the bricks that fell was a deeply emotional moment.
The restoration work is incredible—so much care and attention to detail went into bringing it back to life. A connection to my family’s past, I felt a surge of pride and gratitude - like many Cantabrians that have fond memories of icons like this in and around Christchurch. My mum and daughter stood beside me, and together, we shared a quiet moment, feeling the weight of history and a little piece of our family's legacy.
Lunch with a View
After our walk, we were ready for lunch. We headed back down to the town and stopped at Civil and Naval, a quirky little spot with a cozy vibe and a menu that pleased all three of us and my all-time fav! We sat outside, enjoying the sunshine and the lively atmosphere of Lyttelton. The food was delicious—fresh, local, and full of flavor. My daughter devoured her burger, Mum savoured a fresh salad, and I couldn’t resist the seafood chowder.
Reflections and Music to End the Day
As the afternoon sun began to dip, we drove back through the tunnel, the day’s adventures replaying in our minds. For dinner, we chose 50 Bistro at The George, a lovely restaurant in Christchurch that offers a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The elegant setting was perfect for the three of us to unwind and reflect on our day. My daughter, of course, added her own touch to the conversation with her delightful energy and endless questions.
To cap off the night, we headed to the Christchurch Town Hall to enjoy a performance by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. There’s something magical about sitting in that grand hall, the music swirling around us, creating a shared experience that words can’t quite capture. As the orchestra played, I found myself lost in the music, but my mum and daughter, ever the cheeky pair, were whispering and giggling beside me. Their quiet laughter was a sweet reminder of the bond we share, and I couldn’t help but smile.
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