Plan ahead for travel to SailGP
On 23 and 24 March, Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō is again set to host the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix (SailGP). Lyttelton will have restricted access over the weekend and public transport in the area will also be affected.
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.
Public transport and accessing the event
Vehicle 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 enter Lyttelton via the checkpoint on Bridle Path Road (Heathcote). 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. Vehicles can exit Lytteltn at any time from any route.
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 SailGP 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 at The Terrace in the city centre. More information on the traffic management for the SailGP weekend can be found on ChristchurchNZ website.
Public buses to Lyttelton will continue to operate over the event weekend but are expected to be busy on these days.
Walking map from bus to SailGP
Ferry services
Ferry services between Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton are not permitted to run during the live racing, or during practice times 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 service, as these will take 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 and 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 Metro’s website, Diamond Harbour Ferry.
Water navigation safety during SailGP
The Harbourmaster's Office is responsible for navigation safety during SailGP.
As SailGP has been declared a Major Maritime Event, the Harbourmaster's Office has increased enforcement powers from 18-25 March, allowing us to delegate powers to other agencies and organisations, including SailGP. This provides approximately 21 SailGP marshals the authority to maintain a clear racing area, with exclusive entry to the on-water event area, and ensure safe operation among the boats that will be in the harbour to watch the races.
During preparations and on race days, the Harbourmaster’s Office will have five boats in the water, including two Harbourmaster patrol vessels on loan from Otago and Marlborough Harbourmaster Offices. We will support the SailGP marshals in doing their job, provide education about the rules for recreational boaties during SailGP (PDF File 404KB) and to support in the event of any incidents. Lyttelton Port Company, the NZ Police, and Maritime NZ will also be in the harbour to help ensure the success of the event.
For more information, contact media@ecan.govt.nz or 027 221 5259.