Lyttelton Timeball Station

2 Reserve Terrace

About

The historic, stone, Lyttelton Timeball Station, on a hill overlooking Christchurch's picturesque Lyttelton Harbour, was built in an era when the region's only links with the outside world were by sea. For over 50 years, from 1876, the Lyttelton Timeball signaled Greenwich Mean Time to all ships in the busy harbor below, helping to ensure maritime safety. The building is one of about twelve "timeballs" in the world still working. Built by prisoners from the nearby jail, the Timeball Station is an important example of mechanical engineering of the times. This interesting castle-like building is also worth the climb for the great harbor view.

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