Lyttelton is an eccentric port town on the outskirts of Christchurch that has a population made up of equal parts hipsters, hippies and rugged dock workers. They live in harmony, bonded by passions for great food, craft beer, buying local and supporting locals. It’s hard not to fall in love with a place so rainbow-friendly, with an abundance of beautiful views and unique local businesses. Here are some of express’ favourites:
Lyttelton Coffee Company
Did someone say a triple shot as standard?! Lyttelton Farmers Market is an institution that takes over the town’s main strip, London Street, from 10am to 1pm every Saturday. It’s a religious-like experience for many to pick up local cured meats, cheeses and vegetables, then head into Lyttelton Coffee Company for a catch-up with friends or simply read the papers with a coffee (roasted on the premises). While you chat and sip, DJ’s spin vinyl records for the perfect groovy start to the weekend. (29 London Street)
Civil & Naval
A small watering-hole with a big heart in one of the town’s original buildings, Civil & Naval is bursting with character. Perfect for a Winter date night; score a table by the wood burner, gaze into each other’s eyes and feel the heat of passion. From their unbelievably tiny kitchen, Civil & Naval produce the best fried chicken in all of Christchurch – just one of the items on an excellent menu that packs a flavour punch. civilandnaval.co.nz
Wunderbar
When you move to a new city, you only really start to feel settled when you find your favourite bar, and for us, that was Wunderbar. The balcony offers spectacular views over the harbour, they have the best beers on tap and powerful cocktails (Agwa is their signature shot). The backroom houses gigs every weekend from disco to hip hop, and it’s all so gay-friendly that I have stood at multiple concerts cuddling my boyfriend throughout. It’s easy to spend an entire night here with the bar’s different spaces, which include a pool table and booths for chilling out. Take a seat and enjoy the eclectic art covering the walls and the creepy dolls heads that are dotted around the bar. On the balcony, patrons are friendly and everyone talks to each other. This is a happy place! wunderbar.co.nz
Dead Video
Calling all children of the eighties! This amazing time warp of a store sells everything from original Star Wars, Transformers, He-Man and Thundercats figures to retro comics, video games and trading cards. Most jaw-dropping of all, yes, as the name suggests, there are even a few select classics on VHS! Like stepping into an episode of Stranger Things, do not miss a trip to Dead Video. deadvideo.nz
Lyttelton Arts Factory (LAF)
Musicians and live performance are at Lyttelton’s beating heart, and the LAF provides a space designed to fuel and nurture the town’s collective creativity. LAF hosts concerts and shows from local schools to independent theatre productions and stand-up comedy – all with a focus on New Zealand work. Back in July, LAF presented the inaugural Lyttelton Arts Festival. It attracted musical heavyweights like Holly Smith and Phoenix Foundation and welcomed cabaret and circus performers into the fold, who not only presented shows but also taught classes to inspire younger generations to take up their arts. laf.co.nz
Visit Lyttelton and you’ll never want to leave. Plan your trip at christchurchnz.com and be sure to check out the Christchurch Pride Festival 10 – 19 March chchpride.co.nz
