You will love staying at this upscale historical port cottage with gorgeous harbour views. Unwind in style and enjoy the always changing vista of the picturesque port, harbour, and banks peninsula hills - perfect for a luxe Christchurch escape.
As featured in the 'Find the Perfect Place' YouTube series, May 2024.
To see our latest updates & local Lyttleton highlights, search @the_daughters_anchorage.
The space
The home is a renovated & updated circa 1880 port cottage with fantastic views and features elegant, modern decor sympathetic to the character of the house. Enjoy original ceilings, polished wooden floors, luxurious linens, ultra-comfortable beds, a stylish bathroom, central heating and all day sun.
The Daughter's Anchorage is listed as a 'defining' level home of early historical significance in Lyttelton.
LOCATION
Lyttelton's fantastic cafes, restaurants, bars & shops are just a 6min walk, the CBD is only a short 15min drive, and public transport is also close by. The returning walk is up hill to the house, but feels good after a town breakfast.
Named after Lord Lyttelton, this enchanting town is renowned for its Saturday farmers market, historic charm, and maritime beauty. Saturday morning market crowds flock from near and far, emerging through New Zealand's longest road tunnel to enter Lyttelton—the country's only registered historic township. If you seek a getaway to explore Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, or all of Canterbury, you've found the perfect destination.
LOUNGE
The living room has views over the port and sweeping across the valley’s homes and cottages. Relax and watch the yachts and ships coming and going through the harbour entrance. If you are up early, watch the sunrise hitting Quail Island, and in the night, watch the port lights shimmer. The sunny lounge has a big linen sofa, mid-century armchair, a dining table, and large projector screen for the smart projector (Netflix, Disney, Stan, live rugby, football, tennis, etc). Put on a record, listen on the Marshall home speaker, or bluetooth connect from your phone.
There is a sunny deck outdoor area off the lounge featuring dining table, daybed-sofa and BBQ.
WORK
If you have to work, why not put on a record, get comfortable in the booth seats at the oak table, and imagine life for the original family who built the cottage and worked the wharves for 90 years from it.
REST
Master Bedroom
The Master bedroom has valley views from the ultra comfortable King size bed.
Premium linens and plush fluffy towels are supplied. This is our escape as well so we spent some money on really good mattresses in both bedrooms.
Second Bedroom
The second bedroom has a king single bed with premium linens, and we'll set up the second single bed if 3 beds are needed – comfortable whether a bedroom for one or two.
If you have an infant/baby/toddler along with you, our portacot can be used in either bedroom.
DINE
Just a 6min walk to the main street for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, taking your pick from numerous cafes and restaurants. See the house manual in the home for a guide on each venue.
HAMPER
Enhance your stay with our bespoke Hamper, carefully curated with premium offerings from cherished New Zealand businesses, including Canterbury’s finest makers. We’re passionate about supporting local craftsmanship and sharing its unique flavours with our guests. Perfect for a cozy night in, a scenic picnic, or a relaxing afternoon on the deck!
💰 $75 – Hamper – includes a bottle of sparkling water
🍷 $95 – Hamper + local wine, beer, or premium non-alcoholic drink (with sparkling water)
Expect a seasonal selection featuring breads, cheeses, salmon, olives, cured meats, chutney or confit, crackers, and fresh fruit—each platter reflects the best of local produce. Your hamper will be thoughtfully prepared and waiting upon arrival. Simply let us know when booking to add this special touch, and explore photos in our ad gallery!
SHOP & WALK
Lyttelton's many assets including its culinary outlets, vintage boutiques, bookstores, magazine store, gift stores, network of coastal and hill hiking trails, and bars and nightlife venues are all within 10mins walking distance. Wander the quaint streets taking in the town’s maritime history – mingle with visitors and residents alike in the many unique cafes and bars – or seek solitude and a view of the settlement by way of several crater rim hiking trails. The nearest beach is Corsair bay, a 6min drive or 40min walk through the town and coastline. See the house manual for Lyttelton walking and hiking guides. Christchurch city centre premium shopping is 10-15mins drive away.
COOK
Self-cater with a fully kitted out kitchen with all the major cooking utensils and tools and new homewares/crockery. The kitchen is stocked with coffee, teas, treats and some other cooking essentials (salt/pepper, olive oil, etc).
BBQ
Gas BBQ, dining table, and sofa / daybed on the new deck has picturesque views summer or winter. Move to the front balcony for the evening sun, covered for rain or shine, with seating and table options in place.
CLEANSE
The house features a full bathroom with a large shower w/premium soap, shampoo & conditioner provided, a toilet and a handbasin. Modern high pressure gas hot water.
Guests have use of the laundry with washer & dryer with laundry detergent, and a clothes drying rack and ironing gear is provided.
PLAY
The Lyttelton outdoor swimming pool (open in summer) is 6mins walk, and nearby there are two children’s playgrounds and a soccer field.
SNUGGLE
Lounge, dining, bedrooms all have climate control heating and cooling. The lounge has a wood burner fire complete with firewood, kindling, newspaper, firestarters, and matches—everything you need for a cosy crackling fire is included.
INTERNET
Unlimited Wi-Fi fibre high speed internet.
SUITED TO
This home is best suited for: a couple, a weekend couples getaway, professionals here for work, or a small family with 1-2 children.
This is a strictly NO SMOKING property.
Two outdoor dummy cameras are installed as a visual deterrent only. They are not active or recording.
The Daughter’s Anchorage is equipped with everything to make your stay not only comfortable – but memorable, after immersing yourself in the unique local scene that defines Lyttelton, New Zealand.
Add our listing to your wishlist by clicking the ❤️ in the upper-right corner.
Guest access
The cottage and all it's outdoor deck and veranda spaces are there for your complete enjoyment. Access to the cottage is easy. We have a lock box for the key and will provide you with a code before your arrival.
Free on-street parking for two cars can be found directly in front of the cottage & garage. The house's garage with white doors is ok to block by parking there, as it's not in use when guests are staying.
For EV or PHEV charging, we presently have a Type-1 cable (Nissan Leaf) and Type-2 cable which suits many EV's and PHEV's. Plus a 240V 3-pin plug accessible so you can connect a different home charging cable if required, as are generally included with rental car EV's & PHEV's. Both are located outside the garage door.
Other things to note
Note that the fire does not have a child guard around it. If you have smaller children, you may choose to just use the climate control for heating.
Our house is pet friendly. Doggies are limited to the floor and it's requested that they don't jump up on to the furniture or sleep with their humans in the bed. We've had cats enjoy the house in the past too.
The cemetery is a great dog walking area and is only 2mins walk from the house.
If you need luggage storage before or after your stay, Central City Lockers offers secure options from 1 hour to 14 days, conveniently located in Christchurch Central City. Search #centralcitylockers
Lyttelton doesn't have a petrol station, the closest is NPD Port Hills, 6kms away just through the tunnel.
As would be expected – fresh towels, facecloths, & linens are included as part of every stay. Extra blankets, hot water bottles, and extra pillows are all there for you. A picnic set, picnic rug and cooler bag are there for adventures in the surrounding beaches, hills, or parks.
