Lyttelton, Farmers Markets and trips across to Diamond Harbour
Whilst I am disinclined to use the term ‘bohemian’ to describe a place, it is in all honesty the most appropriate way to define the historic seaside port of Lyttelton. Separated from Christchurch by the sharp jagged rock formations of the imposing ‘Port Hills’ Lyttelton has very much its own identity - a mix of quirky and artistic. It is also home to a vast array of cafes, restaurants and bars – which despite their numbers seem mighty popular and well patronised. The landing place of the first Canterbury settlers’ way back in 1850, Lyttelton was badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquake when a lot of its heritage buildings were lost and destroyed. Now well over five years later repairs are still being carried out, but premises have been rebuilt and areas restored and the town is enjoying life once again in a resolute and gratifying fashion. I timed my visit for a Saturday morning when the Farmers Market was in full swing. London Street, Lyttelton’s main through-fare, thronged with local folk and visitors alike browsing homemade wares and tasty produce. Stalls were piled high with organic breads, home-produced sausages, salamis, wine and chocolate. The bakery store was especially enticing with its mound of cream filled chocolate eclairs! I was grateful I had taken advanced notice and skipped breakfast to enjoy guilt free tastings of pastries, Stewart Island smoked salmon and freshly made organic juices.
A short walk down-hill from London Street and its market place is the Port of Lyttelton. Here I caught the Black Cat Ferry - a service running every half an hour, zipping you speedily across the bay to sleepy Diamond Harbour. At Diamond Harbour there is a small jetty and sheltered sandy beach that offers stunning views back across the narrow stretch of water to Lyttelton. A pleasant stroll up-hill through pleasant memorial gardens brought me to the petite town centre. It’s a great place to spend a peaceful couple of hours.