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Lyttelton, New Zealand

Canterbury · New Zealand

Lyttelton is a small town in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 3,200. Elevation: 20 ft (6 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
3,200 Population 575/sq mi density
20 ft Elevation 6 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
34.2 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$26,460 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$26,460 median income, 2.8% unemployment
D
Affordability
2.0 / 5.0
$218,400 home value, $1,092/mo rent

Discover Lyttelton, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Lyttelton

Lyttelton

Lyttelton is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō, on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is separated from Christchurch by the Port Hills, an eroded remnant of the extinct Banks Peninsula Volcano.

People

Population3,200
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density575/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$26,460
Per Capita$26,460
Unemployment2.8%

Housing

D
Home Value$218,400
Rent$1,092
Ownership77.6%
Housing Units1,280

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days283/yr
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Population3,200
Population Density575 / sq mi
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Coordinates-43.6031°, 172.7177°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceCanterbury
Average Temperature54°F (12°C)
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Annual Precipitation34.2 inches (869 mm)
Annual Snowfall1.1 inches (3 cm)
Median Household Income$26,460
Median Age46.3 years

About Lyttelton

Lyttelton is a small town in New Zealand (Canterbury) with a population of 3,200. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 54°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 63°F in January to 45°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 34.2 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Lyttelton has a population of 3,200 with a density of 575 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

3,200
Total Population
575
People / sq mi
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above New Zealand avg
5.6mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Lyttelton vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Lyttelton is $26,460, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,460 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $509, 64% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 294 business establishments.

Income: Lyttelton vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$26,460
65% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$26,460
Avg Weekly Wage$509

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.8%
22% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)294

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Lyttelton is $218,400, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,092 (6% below the national average of $1,163). 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,280 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$218,400
23% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,092
6% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership77.6%
Owner-Occupied77.6%
Renter-Occupied22.4%
Housing Units1,280

Property Tax

Climate in Lyttelton

Lyttelton has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F). The hottest month is Jan (17°C), the coldest is Jul (5.9°C). Average annual precipitation is 604 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C / 63°F 11.8° / 22.2° 42.0
Feb 17°C / 63°F 11.8° / 22.3° 38.9
Mar 15°C / 59°F 9.7° / 20.3° 40.9
Apr 12°C / 54°F 6.8° / 17.2° 47.5
May 9.4°C / 49°F 4.2° / 14.7° 68.9
Jun 6.5°C / 44°F 1.4° / 11.6° 53.8
Jul 5.9°C / 43°F 0.9° / 10.9° 67.5
Aug 7.2°C / 45°F 2° / 12.4° 66.4
Sep 9.5°C / 49°F 3.9° / 15.2° 43.1
Oct 11.2°C / 52°F 5.8° / 16.7° 45.9
Nov 13.2°C / 56°F 7.6° / 18.9° 45.1
Dec 15.7°C / 60°F 10.3° / 21.1° 44.0
Lyttelton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 283 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

63°F Jan (17°C) 45°F Jul (7°C)
Annual Average54.3°F
1% above New Zealand avg
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Sunny Days283 days/yr

Geography

Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Area5.6 sq mi (14.4 km²)
Population Density575/sq mi
Coordinates-43.6031°N, 172.7177°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.2"
10% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.1"
Wettest Month (Aug) 4.21"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.05"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

659 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 30, 2025.

Sep 3, 2010 19 km NE of Methven, New Zealand M7.0 72 km
Jun 18, 1994 56 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.8 112 km
Nov 24, 1995 47 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.2 102 km
Feb 21, 2011 6 km SE of Christchurch, New Zealand M6.1 4 km
Jun 19, 1994 40 km N of Methven, New Zealand M6.0 97 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 140 km
Jun 13, 2011 9 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.9 5 km
Feb 14, 2016 12 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.8 14 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.7 140 km
Jan 5, 2015 43 km SSE of Hokitika, New Zealand M5.6 134 km
Feb 22, 2011 7 km S of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.6 8 km
Feb 22, 2011 6 km SSE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.5 6 km
Mar 30, 1992 57 km NNW of Methven, New Zealand M5.5 119 km
May 29, 1995 South Island of New Zealand M5.5 115 km
Sep 19, 2023 Canterbury, New Zealand M5.5 129 km
Jun 21, 1994 47 km N of Methven, New Zealand M5.4 101 km
Jan 1, 2012 21 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 19 km
Jun 21, 2011 1 km SSE of Prebbleton, New Zealand M5.2 16 km
Jun 13, 2011 10 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 4 km
Aug 29, 1996 74 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.2 124 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

6 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 6.5 m (21 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2016 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.5 m 2 100 km
1895 PIEGON BAY Meteorological 5.0 m 17 km
1881 PIGEON BAY (BANKS PENINSULA) Earthquake 3.0 m 18 km
1856 S CANTERBURY PROVINCE, SOUTH ISLAND Unknown 1.0 m 73 km
1922 SE. NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 0.4 m 71 km
1978 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Meteorological 62 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 63°F (17°C) 2.2 in Warmest
February 61°F (16°C) 2.1 in Driest
March 59°F (15°C) 2.7 in
April 54°F (12°C) 3.6 in
May 49°F (9°C) 3.5 in
June 44°F (7°C) 3.7 in Coldest
July 45°F (7°C) 3.9 in
August 45°F (7°C) 4.2 in Wettest
September 49°F (9°C) 2.1 in
October 52°F (11°C) 2.6 in
November 56°F (13°C) 2.2 in
December 59°F (15°C) 2.2 in

Lyttelton has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 44°F in June to 63°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.1").

View full weather details →

Schools in Lyttelton

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Lyttelton Primary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Lyttelton

9 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
RDU 98.5FM MP3 128 kbps
3ABN Christian Radio bible teaching, christian AAC+ 56 kbps
Anthemz AAC 130 kbps
Akaroa World Radio easy listening AAC
XS80s 1980's, 1980s MP3 128 kbps
Dave FM 70s, 80s MP3 128 kbps
Power Hit FM 87.8 - Christchurch, NZ pop music, top 40 AAC+ 64 kbps
8K.NZ eclectic, independent MP3 192 kbps
RDU alternative MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Lyttelton

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Air Force Museum
Akaroa Museum
Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
Craft Station
Godley Head Heritage Trust Museum
Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre
Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery
New Brighton Museum
Ngaio Marsh House
Our City O-Tautahi
Pioneer Hall
Quake City
Rutherford's Den
Steam Scene Museum
Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
The Central Art Gallery
The Whare
Thornycroft Torpedo Boat Museum
Yaldhurst Museum

Libraries in Lyttelton

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Akaroa library0.0
ARA Library0.0
ARA Library0.0
Aranui Library0.0
Book Discussion Scheme0.0
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Diamond Harbour Library0.0
Engineering and Physical Sciences Library0.0
Fendalton Library0.0
Heathcote Valley Community Library0.0
Heathcote Valley Community Library0.0
Hornby Centre0.0
Ivey Hall0.0
Lincoln Library0.0
Linwood Library0.0
Linwood Library0.0
Little River Library0.0
Lyttelton Library0.0
Macmillan Brown Library0.0
Matatiki: Hornby Centre0.0
New Brighton Library0.0
Opawa Public Library0.0
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre0.0
Papanui Library0.0
Parklands Library0.0
Redcliff Village Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Saint Martins Library0.0
Saint Martins Library0.0
Shirley Library0.0
Spreydon Library0.0
Tai Tapu Library0.0
Tūranga (Christchurch Central Library)0.0
Upper Riccarton Community and School Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Lyttelton

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Christchurch Farmers' Market
Christchurch Night Market — Ferrymead
Lincoln Saturday Market
Lyttleton Farmers Market
Riccarton Rotary Market
Riverside Market
Small farmers market
South Christchurch Farmers' Market
The Provedore

Restaurants in Lyttelton

6 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Everest
Fisherman's Wharf
MAPU Test kitchen
Nama
Nom Nom Kitchen
Super

Cafes in Lyttelton

5 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Coffee Culture
Lyttelton Coffee Company
Sammy's Gelato
Shroom Room
Spooky Boogie

Theatres in Lyttelton

2 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Lyttelton Arts Factory
The Loons Club

Monuments in Lyttelton

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ōhinehou Pou

Gas Stations in Lyttelton

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

NZ #9610336265

Stadiums & Teams in Lyttelton

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Lyttelton

9 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Christchurch International AirportCHCLarge Airport
DunsandelSmall Airport
Fernside Fields AirparkSmall Airport
Forest Field AerodromeSmall Airport
Kings (Ladbrooks)Small Airport
Rangiora AirfieldSmall Airport
Taitapu Ag stripSmall Airport
West Melton AerodromeSmall Airport
Worthy Lodge airstrip (Ladbrooks)Small Airport

Treatment Centers in Lyttelton

16 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
24 Hour Surgery
ARA Health Centre
Cashel Health Centre
Christchurch PsychMed
Ear Health Riccarton
Etu Pasifika
High Street City Health
Ilam Medical Centre
Maui Clinic
Pegasus Primary Mental Health Services
Rodger Wright Centre
Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Straven Medical
The Merivale Clinic
Triton Hearing Clinic, St Albans
Urology Associates

Churches & Religious Organizations in Lyttelton

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Lyttelton Union Parish Chapel / Lyttelton Union Church
St Joseph the Worker Parish
St. Saviour's on Holy Trinity

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Lyttelton.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lyttelton

What is the population of Lyttelton?

Lyttelton has a population of 3,200 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 575 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Lyttelton expensive to live in?

The median household income is $26,460, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,400 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,092 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Lyttelton?

Lyttelton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 45°F in July. The area receives 283 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Lyttelton?

The job market in Lyttelton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $509. There are 294 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Lyttelton?

The median home value in Lyttelton is $218,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,092. The homeownership rate is 77.6%.

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