Lyttelton is a great family destination – the rich and interesting history and nature of the place puts something on offer for everyone. But if you’re after somewhere to wet your whistle after a long day of exploring, or something exciting for the 18+ crowd to do in the quirky port town, then check out one of these fine local establishments for a bit of Lyttelton fayre and late night fun.

Porthole Bar:

Situated on the site where the popular Volcano Bar and Café once stood, Porthole is another example of Cantabrian ingenuity that’s come out of the other side of the quake.

Although one of several container bars around the city, Porthole has a uniquely Lyttelton flavour.

The live music, craft beer, and loyal customers all come from the portside village, and the porthole windows cut out of the container are an appropriate finishing touch – head down for a beer and a bite on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Wunderbar:

A popular watering hole for the locals, Wunderbar is perfect for a taste of the creativity that Lyttelton is so famous for. Renowned for its quirky décor – which includes a collection of infamous doll’s heads amongst other bits and bobs – Wunderbar is a little left of centre.

A visit on any given Friday or Saturday night could get you caught up in anything from a poetry reading to a burlesque show to a local folk act.

Definitely a must-do if you’re after something a little different out of your visit.

Civil and Naval:

A great example of that ‘cult bar’ theme Lyttelton has going on nowadays,

Civil and Naval has cosy-chic written all over it.

A tapas bar, restaurant, beer garden and coffee shop all rolled into one nautical-but-not-in-a-cheesy-way package, this casual dining experience fits perfectly into the town’s atmosphere.

It possibly has the best wine and cocktail list in town too.

Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients for creative and tasty dishes, Civil and Naval fits in with the community ethos so well known on the streets of Lyttelton.

Tommy Chang’s:

Tucked away amongst the cool of London Street, Tommy Chang’s is an ode to Lyttelton’s past and future.

Formerly known as Dave’s Place, the café and bar came about after owner, Dave Watchorn, lost an almost complete restoration of the Canterbury Hotel in February 2011.

Although a tragic loss, Tommy Chang’s is yet another amazing Lyttelton establishment that’s come out of the resilience of this community.

With live gigs, superb fare, and, of course, that rich and interesting history, the place is a classic dining experience in the port town.