Located on the South Island, very close to Christchurch, Lyttelton is a small but historic port town in New Zealand, accessed by an impressive tunnel. The colorful town is quite lively and boasts quirky cafes, restaurants and bohemian artists. Naturally, there is a local museum, which, not surprisingly, has a maritime theme, while harbor cruises depart from the town every day.
If you are lucky, you might witness the endemic Hector’s dolphins. Walking to the Port Hills is a pleasant activity since you get to admire wonderful views on your way. It is really one of these places where you can leave everything behind and just relax, enjoying spectacular views. The following best Airbnb vacation rentals in Lyttelton, New Zealand, provide a comfortable stay to use as your base, so have a look and book your splendid holiday today!
1. Sunny spacious apartment (from USD 98)
This large apartment has the capacity to comfortably accommodate four guests, however, two extra guests may fit on floor mattresses. The house comes with a comfy double bedroom, an open-plan living area with a kitchen, a dining table and another queen bed. Although the flat is on the bottom floor of a three-story house, there is full privacy, exclusive use of the outdoor spa pool, and the large deck, as well.
The highlights also include complimentary food and a bottle of champagne to enjoy on the lovely outdoor dining table, overlooking the beautiful harbor.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
two couches from which to enjoy the view and watch tvgregor's apartment has a wonderful dreamy view it's very comfortable and spaciousview and the hot tub were awesome loved the apartment and it was more spacious than i expectedgreat location and very comfortable however just be aware of the steps leading down to the unitgregor’s place was a comfortable stay for one nightCleanliness:
house is clean and cosyeverything was clean and the spa was warmall is clean and comfortablethe place was clean and spaciousthe place itself was clean and comfortableHost:
thank you for being such a amazing host gregorgregor was an amazing host and was quick to respond with any questions we needed answers togreat place great host highly recommendgreat place great host no complaintsvery generous friendly and thoughtful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
lovely location easy to walk into townstunning location great place to staygreat location 5 minutes walk from the town centregreat central location to explore christchurch and the akaroa peninsulaa fantastic place to unwind and relax and so close to everything you need
2. Self-contained cabin (from USD 42)
The ideal getaway, this fully-equipped cabin can fit up to two guests and features a cozy double bed, a sink, a table for working, heating, a basic but clean toilet and shower, and an outdoor lovely kitchen with glass sliding doors. The deck right outside is all yours to enjoy your meal with uninterrupted views of the harbor.
There is a sloping path with steps to reach the cabin, so a certain level of fitness is required for that. Despite the feeling of isolation, the main street of Lyttelton is just 15 minutes down the hill.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
gorgeous view cosy warm roombeautiful place to stay full of magic comfortable lovely viewi really like the style of the decoration and the details in the roomamazing place to stay incredible views of the harbour & very cute room with very lovely hostCleanliness:
beautiful cozy and cleanamazing views & very cute comfy and clean private room with a lovely hostHost:
joke is a very welcoming host and made us feel at home immediatelyjoke has been an excellent hostjoke is very helpful and sweet host :)we loved itthis was a cool unique place and joke was a good hostjoke is a lovely host with a warm welcome and she is very interestingRead more reviewsLocation:
fabulous stay in an amazing locationamazing location close to town and perfectly placed for the many local walksquaint wee cabin great locationa wonderful place to relaxomg truly worth the short and easy climb to this beautiful wee place
3. Quiet room in a character villa (from USD 57)
A sunny private room in a secluded and sheltered villa will be your holiday home and it is guaranteed to not disappoint you. Your room is equipped with a double bed, two chairs, nice decor, and french doors that open up to a cute, private garden. Guests are welcome to use the large, elegant bathroom, the fully-equipped kitchen, the bright living room, and all the cozy corners of the villa, that overlook spectacular fruit trees and gardens. Lyttelton’s London Street is just around the corner, while Christchurch is a short 20-minute drive away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed conversations and her house has a cozy cottage-feeling with great sea viewsthe room is large and sunny with a comfy bed and access to a cosy courtyarddeborah's house as well as being very comfortable has lots of character and great viewscosy room with good sunny garden view and soft heavenly bed sparkling clean comfortable toilet and warm fireplacethe room is private and quiet with a warm comfortable bedCleanliness:
everything super clean and charmingher home is gorgeous spotlessly clean full of charm and exquisite lightthe room was spacious comfortable and perfectly cleanwe enjoyed a sound nights sleep in an extremely comfortable bed and clean spacious rooma beautifully furnished home neat and cleanHost:
deborah was a wonderful hostdeborah is a great hostshe is a great hostdeborah was a great host providing superior hospitalitydeborah was a great host and made us feel very welcomeRead more reviewsLocation:
the location and room were greatin a good location just a few minutes walk from the centre of townquick walk to the center a wonderful saturday market great shops and restaurantsthe location is perfect for a stay in lyttltonbrilliant location and wonderful host
4. Top-floor, modern apartment (from USD 78)
Truly fantastic scenery awaits you when you step foot in this unique apartment, situated right above historic Lyttelton. It can accommodate up to four guests and boasts a large master bedroom with quirky decor and stunning port views, another bedroom with either a double bed, two singles, or one single bed, a kitchenette, and a great bathroom with a one of a kind spa experience. There is also a big outdoor barbeque area for those cozy evenings. Christchurch is a short 20-minute drive away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bathroom and views are brilliantincredible views stylish and comfortable living/sleeping areavery comfortable and nice accommodation with perfect viewthis is a fantastic apartment with great decor stunning views and a lovely hostessfantastic views from any room and the bathroom is sensationalCleanliness:
everything was very clean and modernthe place was perfectly cleanwe loved how spacious and clean the place waswhole place clean and warm and cosy with everything we neededvery clean room and warm host thanksHost:
sasha is very welcoming friendly hostsasha is a lovely hostsasha is an awesome host and made us feel at homesasha has been such a great hostsasha is a really nice host with great recommendations on where to go :)Read more reviewsLocation:
beautiful house and very scenic locationgreat accommodation in a super locationchristchurch is close by and easily accessibleperfect place for a weekend away or for a longer staythis place is a hidden beauty and we'll worth the trip out to lyttelton
5. Sunny apartment
If you choose this place, you will have the entire guesthouse at your disposal, with pretty much everything you need to get away for a few days. Together with some incredible harbor views, you also get a comfy queen-size bed, an ensuite toilet, a shower with endless hot water, a living room with a foldout bed, a kitchen with all the basic cooking utensils, and a working area. Within a short walking distance, you can reach restaurants, markets, a local brewery, and the beach.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place has great amenities available (cooking supplies wifi tv dvd player unlimited hot water)very quiet and scenic incredible views comfortable accomodationgreat cosy apartment very peaceful and beautiful viewrom's place has a terrific view over the harbour and is warm and comfortablecomfy bed great shower good wifiCleanliness:
a cute and clean little cottage which had everything we neededgranny flat was well equipped and very cleaneverything was really clean and had all we needed for our stayit was perfectly warm clean and set upgreat view clean and comfortableHost:
exceptionally friendly and welcoming hostsfriendly and helpful hostsrom was super friendly made sure we were well settled inkind hospitality and a great place to stayrom was friendly and interestingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location tidy and warmvery close to a nice walking tourwonderful place and very close to downtown lyttletongood place in a good locationeasy walk to town good facilities and quite location
6. Great room with stunning views
Exceptional hospitality, breathtaking views of the ocean, delicious food, and a spacious house are only some of the perks you get when you book this vacation rental. It is ideal for couples, solo travelers, or even families and features a comfy double bed with access to the large deck. Guests, naturally, have access to all common spaces, including the full kitchen, the lounge, the garden, the patio, the modern bathroom, and the great hot tub. Christchurch is a 40-minute drive away, while the walking track, a cafe, and the beach are just below the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great view spacious rooms and balconywonderful nice view from the roomthe room and bathroom were perfect as describedthe view from the room and the living room are astonishing and beautifulthe view from the room and the house itself are both stunningCleanliness:
very clean bath room with bathtubvery clean comfortable with a lovely familythe place was very clean and was a great place to spend a nightvery nice family the house is comfortable the room is clean and scenicrooms were clean and toilet was so nice would stay here againHost:
amazing host who is very friendly during arrivalgreat host beautiful decorative placethe host family is so kind and considerateakiko and her family are wonderful hosts and lovely peopleakiko and her family were such delightful hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
close to christchurch and very peacefullocation and local knowledge were so amazingstunning location beautiful home lovely hostsbeautiful location overlooking the harbouri wish that we had more time at your place
7. Private cottage in a tranquil location
This basic but tastefully decorated house is ideal for up to four guests, while pets are welcome upon prior approval. The cottage comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom, a nice bathroom, and a cozy living room. The neighborhood is very quiet, even though Lyttelton village is a short, five-minute walk away.
All basic amenities are provided, including Wi-Fi, A/C, a TV, heating, a washer, free parking on the street, and a cute patio. Keep in mind that the place is not wheelchair accessible.
8. Large, fully-furnished apartment
A perfect place for families, this spacious house enjoys lovely views over the harbor, while all city amenities are literally at your doorstep. The house sleeps comfortably up to five guests, although the prices are based on two guests. There is a large, full kitchen to ease your cooking experience, and a full bathroom with laundry facilities, as well.
Wi-Fi, a TV, on-site parking, and complimentary breakfast are also provided for guests’ convenience. The Diamond Harbor ferry is a short seven-minute walk away.
9. Lovely cottage
Able to accommodate up to three guests (but not suitable for children), this nice cottage enjoys magnificent views over the harbor and close proximity to great swimming beaches. The cottage features a double bunk bed with fresh linen, a walk-in shower with unlimited hot water, a simple kitchen, and a living area, with a table and chairs that opens onto the deck. Guests are welcome to share the lovely patio, washer, dryer, and barbeque grill. All the city’s amenities are within easy reach.
10. Small but pleasant hut (from USD 36)
Ideal for couples but especially for lonely cowboys, this cozy hut is made from recycled materials and features one double bed, a chair, basic cutlery, a toaster, and a kettle. Running water can be obtained from the main house, a few steps away. A bathroom, toilet, and laundry are also located inside the family house and there is a large garden area to sit and relax, listening to the birds.
The property is situated a 20-minute drive from the city center, another 20 minutes from the beach and a short five-minute drive from the gondola.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a lot of plants birds singing a good view of nature from the bedthe shower was amazing and the garden view from windows was lovely to wake up tocozy space and very charming setting in the gardengood value cosy stop off for the night with a nice hot showerthe room is furnished with everything you need for a comfortable stayCleanliness:
everything was clean and the bathroom was very spatiousbathroom and toilet are clean and in the houseit is very clean and welcomingthe room was very clean and welcomingcatherine was a great host quick communication and keeps the cabin very cleanHost:
great host very kind and helpfulcatherine is a lovely host we very much enjoyed our staycatherine was a wonderful host we had a few nice chats and she shared some great travel insightscatherine is a lovely host and as a heathcote 'local' she is great to address any questions and enquirescatherine is a gracious and communicative hostRead more reviewsLocation:
conveniently located to christchurch and a nice walking distance to the gondolagreat location for the priceamazing little querky get away just outside of the central citygreat location with easy access to lyttelton for some grubeverything was so good a little paradise close to the city
It's all about resting here
With fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, you can avoid an overcrowded holiday when visiting Lyttelton, without being in complete isolation. The vacation rentals here are situated far from the noise, but still close to all the city’s amenities. If this sounds like your ideal holiday, book one of these rentals, today!
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×