Like a Scottish castle dominating the scenic port of Lyttelton, the Timeball Station is one of the few of its kind left in the world.

From 1876 to 1934 a ball dropped from its mast on its stone tower, signalling the time to ships in Lyttelton Harbour. Visual time signals were important features of many of the world’s ports, being necessary to correct ships’ chronometers and ensure accurate navigation. The timeball apparatus came from the well-known German firm Siemens Bros, and the astronomical clock from Edward Dent & Co. of London, who had made the Big Ben clock. Use of the timeball was discontinued in 1934 when it was replaced by radio signals, though flag signals continued until 1941. The flags, which predated the Timeball Station, were used on the flagstaff nearby to signal to ships and to communicate shipping advice to the town.

A fine example of Victorian technology, the Timeball Station is today one of only five in the world known to be still in working order. It is a rare piece of maritime history, fabulously restored and boasting spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour.

The earthquake on Tuesday, 22 February 2011 caused significant damage to the Timeball Station. This is on top of the damage sustained during the 4 September 2010 quake. On 13 June 2011 at 2.20pm, Lyttelton’s historic Timeball Station’s tower has collapsed following the magnitude 6 earthquake that struck Christchurch.