Free Diamond Harbour Ferry services

Free Diamond Harbour Ferry services

Diamond Harbour Ferry services resumed in Lyttelton Harbour this week and will run free of charge for two weeks.

Departures from Lyttelton are every 10 minutes to the hour and from Diamond Harbour to Lyttelton on the hour from 8am to 8pm.

Black Cat Cruises run the service and Managing Director Paul Bingham said it was one way the company could contribute to the local community in wake of last week's devastating earthquake.

"We have been hit hard as a community and transport services play a vital role at this difficult time so we were keen to get the service running as soon as we could and there will be no charge until further notice."

Bingham said the company's Lyttelton based Christchurch Wildlife Cruise's have been suspended for at least six months and possibly for one year, but the Canterbury Cat in Lyttelton is operating for groups and charter groups of more than 20 passengers.

"We extend our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the Christchurch earthquake. These are challenging and tragic times but at least regional areas have not been affected so we hope visitors will still come to places like Akaroa."

Bingham said Akaroa businesses were fully operational and the town had lots of accommodation available.

"Businesses and homes were not affected by the earthquake and we are running our usual cruises and dolphin swimming trips."

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