NEW ZEALAND · SHORE EXCURSIONS IN CHRISTCHURCH
Distances here run longer than the map suggests, so a day out has to be worth the petrol. Below: 15 shore excursions in Christchurch, what each costs and how long it takes door to door.
See Christchurch from Lyttelton, Mona Vale, Summit Road, Cathedral Square, and Riverside Market on this practical half-day shore tour.
“Our ship wasnt running shuttles in Christchurch this day, so we booked this tour on a whim and it was great. A quick way to see as much as possible while in port.”
Explore Christchurch from Lyttelton, visit Mona Vale and Riverside Market, then ride a Hagglund and feel an Antarctic blizzard.
“This was an excellent tour and Scotty was an excellent tour guide. The Antarctica experience was amazing and now I want to visit.”
Review of the Christchurch and Willowbank shore excursion, with earthquake history, gardens, city views, kiwi sightings, timing, and value tips.
“This is a big bus tour driving through the city. Cannot see what the driver is describing with many on/off stops. Didn’t appreciate having to search for lunch and hurry to eat. The ONLY reason the tour received 3 stars is the wildlife preserve. Did not have 2 hours at this stop as described.”
Review of Christchurch sightseeing from Lyttelton with Port Hills views, earthquake history, Riverside Market, and a thrilling Waimakariri jet-boat ride.
“Allison was a very good tour guide was very cool Boat ride was awesome Wish it had lasted longer Didn't like that we had to search for our own lunch”
Review of the Lyttelton to Waipara wine tour, with three wineries, lunch, scenic drives, cruise-safe timing, and practical booking tips.
“Caroline was our driver and she gave good commentary all the way round On time with 3 stops and a lovely lunch Drive each way about 1hour Lovely day out”
Review of the Lyttelton shore excursion to Christchurch and Waipara, with city sights, lunch, three winery tastings, timing tips, and value advice.
“Very fun and informative outing. Our guide, Rob, was quite engaging. We had a nice tour of the city, with several stops. Then, off to the wineries. Really enjoyable!”
Review of the Lyttelton to Arthur’s Pass shore excursion, with sheep farm, alpine views, port transfers, timing, lunch tips, and value advice.
“Every stop was beautiful and this was one of our favorite stops in New Zealand! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly; we strongly recommend this experience to anyone stopping in Lyttleton.”
Explore Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, and Lyttelton on a private cruise excursion with scenic stops, local guides, morning tea, and lunch.
“Our guide Gemma was wonderful. She gave us a great tour of the area and provided snacks and lunch. Scenery was beautiful even though the weather didn't fully cooperate.”
Escape Christchurch for Castle Hill’s sacred boulders, alpine roads, country towns, picnic lunch, and a small-group day from Lyttelton.
“This tour included a round trip through Canterbury Plains to sacred Maora rock formations. It included lots of elevated hiking which you should be prepared for. Be sure to bring your water bottles because none were provided for our group. The views were fabulous the driving speed to and from was scary to say the least! As far as recommending, maybe.”
Review of the Twin Harbour Tour from Lyttelton to Akaroa, with wildlife cruising, Hector’s Dolphins, scenery, lunch, value, and practical tips.
“We found it difficult to meet the bus although we followed instructions given. Had to phone the company who came and picked us up. Along with another group who were booked on the same tour. The drivers then conducted several head cRead more”
Explore Sumner, Christchurch, the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, and Avon River punting on a six-hour small-group shore tour.
Explore Akaroa from Lyttelton with a small group, scenic stops, morning tea, café lunch, and entry to The Giant’s House.
“Our guide, Jared, was kind and accommodating. The area is stunning and he took us to some wonderful sites.”
Review of Lyttelton’s Castle Hill shore excursion, with mountain views, limestone boulders, local food, picnic lunch, and practical tips.
“We really enjoyed our day trip during which we saw the beautiful mountains and got to walk among the huge rocks of Castle Hill. Sophie our guide was very thoughtful and efficient. We had a great lunch and snacks. We were well taken care of. We would have enjoyed a bit more commentary but it was well worth the time and cost.”
Explore Castle Hill from Lyttelton on a private 7-hour tour with mountain views, lunch, local guides, and flexible time among limestone boulders.
“Perfect day spent with Anna! Easy pick up at the port of Lyttleton and headed out of town to Darfield Bakery. Best meat pies ever! And nice selection of GF baked goods.”
Review of Christchurch Highlights and Punting from Lyttelton, with Sumner, gardens, Riverside Market, and an Avon River boat ride.
“What a delightful tour with our friends, guided by a very competent and detail oriented guide named Heidi. We enjoyed it immensely. A highlight was the drive up to Sign of the Kiwi Cafe and hike up to the views of Lyttelton harbour and ChristRead more”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
