Broken Down in the Lyttelton Tunnel — What to Do Right Now

The Lyttelton Road Tunnel — Christchurch’s Critical Link

The Lyttelton Road Tunnel on State Highway 74 is the direct road connection between Christchurch and the Port of Lyttelton — the South Island's main container port. At 1.9 kilometres long, it carries over 10,000 vehicles per day, including a continuous flow of container trucks serving the port. A breakdown in the tunnel creates immediate disruption to both city traffic and port logistics.

If You Break Down in the Lyttelton Tunnel

1. Turn hazards on immediately
2. Attempt to exit the tunnel — if the vehicle can move at all, rolling or slow driving to the tunnel exit is always preferable to stopping inside. At 1.9km, the exit may be close.
3. If the vehicle cannot move: Stay in the vehicle with hazards on. Do NOT attempt to exit into tunnel traffic — vehicles move at speed through the tunnel.
4. Call 111 — the Lyttelton Tunnel has emergency phones every 250m. A breakdown is treated as a critical incident.
5. Call Towing Christchurch on 03 244 0065 — we work with NZTA tunnel recovery protocols.

NZTA Tunnel Response

The Lyttelton Tunnel is monitored by NZTA. Emergency phones are located every 250m on both walls. When a breakdown is detected, NZTA can close one or both bores to incoming traffic. Recovery vehicles enter from the appropriate portal and clear the vehicle as quickly as safely possible.

The Sumner Road Alternative

If your vehicle has any warning signs before entering the Lyttelton Tunnel — pull over before entry and call us. The Sumner Road alternative via Evans Pass is available but significantly longer and more demanding. A breakdown in the tunnel is far more disruptive than one at the tunnel entrance.

Port of Lyttelton — After Tunnel Recovery

Vehicles towed out of the Lyttelton Tunnel can be delivered to Lyttelton village mechanics or towed back to Christchurch. We advise on the best recovery destination based on your specific situation.