Heartstrings and Harbour Views

After an early morning outdoor adventure in the Port Hills, I took the scenic drive around the bays to Governors Bay, hoping to take a stroll and enjoy a sunny, warm, late-winter morning. And was very excited to see the Governors Bay jetty has finally reopened after years of closure!
The jetty has been part of the bay for over a century. The 22011 Christchurch earthquakes, combined with storms and wear, left it unsafe, and it closed in 2016. For years, locals and visitors missed it, not just for walks or fishing, but as a space that holds memories, quiet reflection, and for those peaceful vibes you get as you walk it, and feel suspended in Whakaraupō/Lyttelton harbour.

The rebuild, completed in 2023, was made possible not just by council funding and grants, but through something deeply human: memorial and commemorative plaques.

These were introduced to help raise funds, and they’ve become a meaningful part of the jetty itself. Some honour loved ones who have passed. Others celebrate people who are still with us, and some even recognise cherished pets. Chair plaques, railing plaques, and other installations allow people to leave a mark, contribute to a shared space, and create a place where memory, gratitude, and connection coexist.

Walking along the jetty, the plaques are a reminder of community care and the importance of remembering. Each one tells a story. Of a life, a relationship, or a moment that mattered. Some made me watery eyed, others made me laugh out loud, they all pulled at the heartstrings. Together, they have helped restore more than timber and railings, they’ve restored a space that everyone can again enjoy.

Thank you to everyone who donated a plaque and supported the rebuild. The Governors Bay jetty is now open, ready to welcome locals, visitors, and anyone who wants to pause, reflect, or soak in those stunning harbour views.