Lyttelton Port says it will take three to four years to get the port back to pre-quake condition.
The South Island's main port is all but fully operational, and Lyttelton Port's chief executive, Peter Davie, says export volumes have held up as most manufacturers are based on the lightly effected western side of Christchurch.
It is understood the repair bill will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but Mr Davie remains tightlipped, saying that is a matter between the port and its insurers.
