Christchurch lies on the Canterbury plain and the northern and western slopes of the Banks Peninsula. Lyttelton is the port town for Christchurch and is connected to the city by a tunnel under the port hills. Akaroa is the third area of interest in this general vicinity.
![](https://grampafacts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/map-of-christchurch-area-2.jpg?w=1024)
We spent the first week of our visit in Christchurch and Lyttelton, and then started our broader tour.
The Christchurch Gondola is located on a hilltop between Lyttelton and Christchurch. This image shows Christchurch from the Gondola looking north toward Waimakariri River. Pegasus Bay on the right is shallow and does not provide a useful port. A large part of the city lies behind the hills on the left.
![](https://grampafacts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_9299-2-christchurch-from-the-gondola-atop-mt-cavendish.jpg?w=1024)
Lyttelton lies to the south of the Gondola and, as this image shows, provides a large sheltered port.
![](https://grampafacts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_9326-2-lyttelton-from-gondola-mt-cavendish.jpg?w=1024)
Let’s take a look at Christchurch.