Name: Explore Ripapa Island
Start: 2026-03-14T23:00:00+13:00
End: 2026-03-15T01:00:00+13:00
Location: Ripapa Island

Discover Ripapa Island: The Little Island with a Big History!
This summer discover the secrets of the inner Lyttelton Harbour island of Ripapa Island.
Nestled against the southern shore of Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour), Ripapa Island was once the prime location for a fortified pa of Ngāi Tahu. Later, it became a bastion against potential Russian threats.
Explore on-site displays delve deeper into its rich history. An amazing experience
PRICES:
$40 – Return
Adult 16 years and over
$20 – Return
Child 5-15 years
(Under 5’s cruise for free)
Operates one Sunday per month December -> March.
Summer 2025/26 Schedule:
DATES:
7th December 2025 (9am - SOLD OUT, 11:30am - SOLD OUT)
11th January 2026 (ALL TIMES SOLD OUT)
22nd February 2026 (ALL TIMES SOLD OUT)
15th March 2026 (9am, 11:30am, 2pm SOLD OUT, 4:30pm available)
TIMES (total trip time is 2 hours including cruise to and from island):
9.00am until 11:00am
11:30am until 1:30pm
2pm until 4pm
4:30pm until 6:30pm
The boat departs B Jetty, Lyttelton.
Important notes:
30 passengers max. per trip
Trip is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair users due to no path access and wharf access
Eating is not permitted on Ripapa Island
Bring a torch to explore the tunnels as they are not lit.
Bring a camera to take some fantastic photo’s.
We also recommend that you should also bring warm clothes as it can be cool on the island especially with the prevailing sea breeze.
(Ripapa Island can be booked other times for groups of 10 or more, email [email protected] to enquire).