Exploring Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour, with a population of around 1,200, is the second-largest town on Lyttelton Harbour. It is accessible by road or by ferry from Lyttelton, making it a convenient destination for a day trip. The town was named by early European settler Mark Stoddart, who was inspired by the way sunlight sparkles on the water.
Local Amenities and Attractions
While Diamond Harbour has limited services, including a café/bar and a fish and chips shop, it has a charming park near the ferry terminal. Nearby Stoddart Point has stunning clifftop views back to Lyttelton and towards the Lyttelton Harbour entrance. The Point is also home to the intriguing sculpture 'Looking for something that will last' by Alison Erickson, depicting a mother and child.
Walking Trails and Scenic Views
From Stoddart Point, you can embark on several walking trails. For a leisurely stroll, wander around the cliffs and through the park to the Memorial Gardens and the historic Stoddart Cottage. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the 9 km trail to the summit of Mt Herbert / Te Ahu Pātiki awaits. At 909 metres, it is the highest point on Banks Peninsula and represents the eroded core of an ancient volcano that connects the Lyttelton and Akaroa craters.
Getting to Diamond Harbour
To reach Diamond Harbour, you can take a ferry from Lyttelton across the harbour, or drive, taking the circuit road that runs around the harbour, with multiple name changes. Lyttelton, Dyers Pass Road at Governors Bay and Gebbies Pass Road are the main access points to the harbour circuit road.
From Diamond Harbour, you can continue southeast to Port Levy on a sealed road. There are many other options for exploration around the Lyttelton Crater, especially from Summit Road accessed from Gebbies Pass.
