The Port of Lyttelton says it won't be able to take cruise ships for the rest of the season.
The earthquake-hit port has gradually resumed the loading and offloading of ships and tankers.
But the port company says earthquake damage to its auxiliary services, and to Christchurch's infrastructure, has put the safety of cruise ship passengers at risk.
It also says it would be insensitive to have tourists in the city when its inhabitants are coming to grips with the devastation of last Tuesday's quake.
The cruise season runs from October to March.
