Last updated October 2026
Charteris Bay is a small harbour settlement on the south-eastern side of Te Wharau / Charteris Bay, an inlet of Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour on Banks Peninsula. It sits between Teddington to the west and Diamond Harbour to the east, within Christchurch City.
The community spreads along the coastal road and is known for Orton Bradley Park, a yacht club linked to the Optimist dinghy, a golf course, and quiet tidal shores used for swimming and recreation.
Visitors and residents value the sheltered harbour setting, mudflats that attract wading birds, and easy access to walking and boating. The bay and settlement form a peaceful base for exploring the inner harbour and nearby peninsula communities.
Official Locality Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 350, up 6% since 2018
- Land area
- 23.43 km²
- Location
- 15.7 km south of central Christchurch
- Council
- Christchurch City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Ataahua, Diamond Harbour, Teddington, Purau
- Ward or local board
- Banks Peninsula Ward, Christchurch City
- Getting there
- Main access via Marine Drive and Charteris Bay Road along the southern harbour shore (from Teddington or Diamond Harbour). Reach the harbour road over Dyers Pass or through the Lyttelton tunnel; bus services run to Lyttelton with ferry connections to Diamond Harbour, then a short drive or cycle along the coast.
- Main shopping
- Limited local retail; most daily needs are met in nearby Diamond Harbour or Lyttelton.
- Nearby landmarks
- Orton Bradley Park, Charteris Bay Yacht Club, Charteris Bay Golf Club, boat ramp and toilets on Marine Drive, tidal flats and Paradise Beach area of Te Wharau / Charteris Bay.
Who Lives in Charteris Bay
About 350 residents in 160 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Charteris Bay
Te Wharau / Charteris Bay is a large inlet on the southern side of Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour. The settlement of Charteris Bay occupies the south-eastern shore and is part of Christchurch City’s Banks Peninsula area. Houses and facilities follow the main coastal road, with low-lying sections near the head of the bay and more elevated ground toward the north.
The place is closely tied to Orton Bradley Park, a private farm park on the former Bradley estate that is open to the public. The park preserves historic buildings, mature plantings, and open farmland with harbour and hill views.
A former Charteris Bay School building (Category 2 historic place) stands within the park grounds. The area also supplied decorative sandstone used in early Christchurch buildings.
Charteris Bay Yacht Club sits on Marine Drive and is known as a centre for dinghy sailing, including Optimist, P-class and other fleets.
The club describes itself as the “home of the Optimist” in New Zealand, reflecting the dinghy’s early use here. Adjacent is Charteris Bay Golf Club, set within the Orton Bradley estate with views across the harbour toward the surrounding hills.
At low tide, extensive mudflats and inter-tidal zones appear at the head of the bay. These support salt-tolerant plants, shellfish such as cockles (valued as mahinga kai), and wading birds including royal spoonbills.
Small strips of beach are used by locals and visitors for swimming and seasonal recreation. A public boat ramp on Marine Drive, with parking and toilets, serves recreational boaties mainly at medium to high tide because of shallow water.
The settlement has a quiet, residential character focused on harbour living, outdoor recreation and community facilities rather than commercial activity. Coastal roads provide the main link through to Diamond Harbour, Purau and Port Levy.
Getting Around
Charteris Bay is reached by car along Marine Drive / Charteris Bay Road, the key coastal route serving the southern side of the harbour. These roads carry through traffic to Diamond Harbour and beyond. From central Christchurch the usual approaches are over Dyers Pass or via the Lyttelton road tunnel, then around the bays through Teddington.
Public transport options centre on the bus to Lyttelton and the frequent ferry across to Diamond Harbour; from there it is a short road journey west to Charteris Bay. Parking near the boat ramp and yacht club is limited, especially at busy times.
Getting Outdoors
The bay itself offers swimming at small beach strips (check LAWA water-quality status, especially after rain), kayaking, and boating from the public ramp. Orton Bradley Park provides walking, picnicking and exploration of historic farm buildings and plantings.
The golf course and yacht club add organised recreation. Tidal flats reward birdwatchers at low tide, while the wider harbour setting gives views to Ōtamahua / Quail Island and the northern bays. Coastal paths on the opposite shore look across to Charteris Bay.
History and Heritage
European settlement in the area is linked to the Bradley family estate. Reverend Robert Reginald Bradley and later his son Orton Bradley developed a large property that included farming, tree planting, a water-powered mill and electricity generation.
Orton Bradley left the land in trust; after the last family beneficiary, Orton Bradley Park was formally established for public benefit and opened as a farm park.
Surviving structures include a stone cottage, stables, millhouse, dairy, blacksmith’s shop and the relocated former Charteris Bay School (built 1878, opened 1879, later moved). The school building is listed as a Category 2 historic place.
Local sandstone from the district was used in early Christchurch construction. The yacht club’s association with the Optimist dinghy forms a more recent chapter in the settlement’s recreational history.
Near Charteris Bay
Just outside Charteris Bay, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia: Charteris Bay: Overview of the settlement, location on Te Wharau / Charteris Bay, and key features including Orton Bradley Park and the yacht club.
Christchurch City Council Let’s Talk: Te Wharau Charteris Bay: Council information on coastal features, boat ramp, roads, natural environment and community values.
Heritage New Zealand: Charteris Bay School (Former): Listing details for the Category 2 historic former school building now at Orton Bradley Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Charteris Bay?
Charteris Bay is a small settlement on the south-eastern shore of Te Wharau / Charteris Bay, an inlet of Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour on Banks Peninsula, within Christchurch City. It lies between Teddington and Diamond Harbour.
How do I get to Charteris Bay from central Christchurch?
Drive over Dyers Pass or through the Lyttelton tunnel, then follow the coastal road around the southern harbour via Teddington onto Marine Drive / Charteris Bay Road. Alternatively take a bus to Lyttelton, ferry to Diamond Harbour, and continue a short distance by road or cycle.
What is Orton Bradley Park?
Orton Bradley Park is a public farm park on the former Bradley family estate at Charteris Bay. It features historic buildings, mature trees, farmland, walking areas and harbour views, and is administered under a special trust arrangement.
Is there a boat ramp at Charteris Bay?
Yes. A public boat ramp is accessible from Marine Drive, with nearby car parking and public toilets. Because of shallow water it is used mainly at medium to high tide by recreational boaties.
Can I swim at Charteris Bay?
Small beach strips are used for swimming and seasonal recreation. Check current water-quality advice on LAWA (Charteris Bay / Te Wharau at Paradise Beach) and avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rain. The beach is unpatrolled.
What is the Charteris Bay Yacht Club known for?
The club is a dinghy sailing centre on Marine Drive and is associated with the early use of the Optimist dinghy in New Zealand. It runs learn-to-sail programmes and has strong fleets in several classes.
Are there shops or cafés in Charteris Bay itself?
Local retail is very limited. Residents and visitors generally use shops and services in nearby Diamond Harbour or Lyttelton.
Is Charteris Bay good for birdwatching?
Yes. At low tide the extensive mudflats and inter-tidal zones support wading birds, including royal spoonbills, along with shellfish and salt-tolerant plants.
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Explore Christchurch only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Charteris Bay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.