Public transport during SailGP
Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō is again set to host the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix (SailGP), on 23 and 24 March. Around 22,000 ticket holders are expected to attend the event this year, with a watch party set to take place on The Terrace in the city centre for those who missed out on tickets.
Lyttelton will have restricted access over the weekend and public transport in the area will also be affected.
Access to Lyttelton
Access into Lyttelton on 23 and 24 March will be restricted from midday until around 6PM. During this time, official event vehicles (buses and shuttles), taxis and vehicles with a clearly displayed pass will be able to access Lyttelton via the checkpoint on Bridle Path Road. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. Private cars (including Uber services) will not be able to enter the area during this time.
SailGP ticket holders will use free shuttle buses provided by SailGP which will travel between the city (from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre) and Lyttelton.
Making your way to the city via public transport? Your ticket includes free travel on Metro bus and ferry services for the day of your ticketed event — just show your ticket to the driver.
The race can also be watched for free by anyone at the SailGP Live Site on The Terrace.
Public buses to Lyttelton will continue to operate over the event weekend but are expected to be busy on these days.
Ferry services
Ferry services between Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton are not permitted to run during the event, or during preparations on Friday 22 March. We will be running replacement bus services on these days - customers should plan ahead if they rely on the ferry service, and allow extra time if they are taking our replacement bus services as these will take around 35 minutes each way.
22 March
Ferries will not operate following the 12:50PM departure from Lyttelton (return trip). Services from Lyttelton are expected to resume from 5:45PM.
Replacement bus services will be in place at the following times this day:
- Departing from Lyttelton at 1.45PM, 2.45PM, 3.45PM and 4.45PM.
- Departing from Diamond Harbour at 2.45PM, 3.45PM, 4.45PM, 5.45PM.
23 & 24 March
Ferries will not operate following the 1:20PM departure from Lyttelton (return trip). Services from Lyttelton are expected to resume from 5:50PM.
Replacement bus services will be in place at the following times these days:
- Departing from Lyttelton at 1.45PM, 2.45PM, 3.45PM and 4.45PM.
- Departing from Diamond Harbour at 2.45PM, 3.45PM, 4.45PM, 5.45PM.
It is important to note that these times are subject to change on the day due to event conditions. Any updates to the times above will be posted to our Diamond Harbour Ferry page.
Further information
See the following links for more information on the SailGP event including road closures and access.