Grubb Cottage – a colonial experience

Take a self-guided walk around the grounds of Grubb Cottage grounds – Lyttelton's most significant colonial domestic dwelling.

Built in 1851, Grubb Cottage is the oldest surviving domestic dwelling in Lyttelton and amongst the earliest colonial homes in Canterbury. The cottage vividly mirrors the different eras of settlement from the days before the first four ships arrived to the growth of Lyttelton as Canterbury's front door during the 1860s and 70s.

Originally built as a simple dwelling by John Grubb to house himself and his fellow workmen, Grubb Cottage was later expanded to accommodate the growing Grubb family who lived here into the 20th century. Architecturally this is a fascinating survivor from colonial New Zealand, accommodating the memories and ghosts of more than 160 years of history.

Grubb Cottage Heritage Trust members will be on site to fill you in on the challenges and success of the recent Christchurch City Council commissioned conservation and stabilisation work on the Cottage. Learn about exciting on-site discoveries that help inform us about the lifestyles of people living in a colonial settlement.

Sunday 24 October, 10am-2pm

62 London Street, Lyttelton

Donations are welcome towards the plans to provide future public access and a dynamic visitor experience at Grubb Cottage

Exterior grounds access only

Disability access

  • Grubb Cottage.
      Before
  • The Mill House.
      After