Lyttleton Harbour is definitely the beautiful and peaceful side of Christchurch, so make sure you take the time to come out this way. If staying in Diamond Harbour, the Coastal Cliff Walk is a lovely way to start the day - you can access it by leaving Rachel's house, walking down a couple streets to the new 4 Square, cutting through that parking lot into the coastal neighborhood and going down to Koromiko Crescent where you will find a reserve with a short connecting path to the trail - turn left to Church Bay or right to Diamond Harbour ferry and Purau.
Rachel and her husband have built a very clever wee apartment on the ground floor of their lovely home for guests. From the front wall of windows you can enjoy their beautiful gardening skills or simply sink into the couch and enjoy the TV setup. Our biggest disappointment were the beds, which I have mentioned to her so I am sure she will address them before your stay as she is keen to be a super host. We were there shortly before Christmas and Rachel was kind enough to have decorations up to make it festive. She is very friendly and quick with communications.