Can I get off the shuttle in Lyttleton in New Zealand or do I have to go into Christchurch.?

[ddvgww]

We are sailing to NZ on Ovation 29th January and again in March on Adventure.   Both times docking at Lyttleton.  I read that cruise ship passengers cannot get a shuttle bus into Lyttleton but instead have to go into Christchurch.   I would love to spend one of the days in Lyttleton as a friend has bought a home there and I was hoping to spend the day at her home and sight see around the town.

[MicCanberra]

I am not sure if Royal will have the same as HAL, but there was a free shuttle service into Lyttleton, and a paid shuttle service into Christchurch ($15).

[arxcards]

There was a plan hatched to only take passengers into Christchurch. A few weeks after that was announced, there was a modified plan which allows for cheaper buses into Christchurch and a free shuttle into Lyttleton.

 

I think the current stuff picks up from near the bottom of page 3 on this thread, which generally matches what Mic has mentioned here for HAL.

 

 

Edited January 2 by arxcards

[Lanwood]

1 hour ago, MicCanberra said:

I am not sure if Royal will have the same as HAL, but there was a free shuttle service into Lyttleton, and a paid shuttle service into Christchurch ($15).

Yes. I've cruised into Lyttleton on both HAL and Princess (Believe Mic was on on my most recent HAL into Lyttleton too if I'm not mistaken). Both were as per Mics comments. Only difference I noticed was HAL under quoted the last shuttle times by 30mins in their literature (to make sure noone misses last bus I guess) whereas princess didn't....last bus was last bus. You'll now as actual last shuttle times are written on the front of the bus.

[ddvgww]

Thank you so much for this info.  I will visit my friend in Lyttleton in January and in March we can do the shuttle into Christchurch. 

[austromyrtus]

some background information... just back from the xmas/ny cruise on the edge which docked in lyttleton. we had a chance to talk to a bus driver. apparently many lyttleton local residents wanted to stop the cruise ship shuttles altogether (enjoyed being tourist-free during covid) but those who benefit like bus drivers, shops, cafes etc were keen to continue so there were negotiations to come up with a compromise. as a result the free shuttles are continuing but on a more restricted route to previously - only one drop off/pickup point - short walk up a bit of a steep hill to london st, the main shopping area.