SHORE EXCURSIONS · NEW ZEALAND
Sorted for cruise passengers.
The 15 most popular christchurch shore excursions (lyttelton & akaroa) shore excursions for cruise passengers. The trips that get you to the sights and back to the ship on time, with run times, prices and the operator behind each one.
A 6-hour Akaroa shore excursion with scenic Banks Peninsula views, Christchurch Botanic Gardens time, and earthquake-recovery sights.
Most Popular“Chris is a local and knows the history and interesting places. He even took our grouo to a small off the beaten track beach to watch a sea lion feeding her baby in the dunes.”
Half-day Christchurch highlights from Lyttelton: port pickup, Mona Vale, Summit Road views, Cathedral Square, and earthquake rebuilding stories.
“Good tour via coach, and a knowledgeable guide/ driver. Tour starts via short shuttle from Littleton port to village centre, changing to tour coach across high hills into and around Christchurch, back via a different route. VFM”
Christchurch rebuild sights plus International Antarctic Centre: penguins, blizzard effects, and a Hagglund ice-vehicle ride from Lyttelton.
“Great excursion until the guide turned what was advertised as a 61/2 half hour excursion into 8 1/2 hours. WAY too long and constant repetitious commentary about the earthquake and the resulting devastation. The Antarctic Center was fantRead more”
Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa Marine Reserve from near the harbor, gear provided, small groups, and wildlife spotting chances for $83.78.
“My friend and I went kayaking to celebrate our fiftieth birthdays. The kayaks take two people each, and including us there were six guests, plus our guide, Nick. We had a great time and saw heaps of cool volcanic rock fissures and birds gRead more”
Akaroa to Christchurch and the Antarctic-themed International Antarctic Centre, with penguins and an amphibious Hagglund ride. Shore transfer included.
“The weather was not great!. We made a 45 minute stop in Christchurch, but there was not much we could do because it was raining. We ducked into the art museum and ran thru the botanical gardens. We drove to the International Antarctic Center where they were not prepared for the crowds. They did not…”
Christchurch and Willowbank in one cruise day: live guide commentary, earthquake-era sights, and a guided kiwi wildlife visit with entrance fees included.
“Great tour of the city and very knowledgeable guide. Day ended with a guided tour of Willowbank reserve that was fantastic. Loved seeing and learning about the local birds especially the kiwi.”
Post-cruise day trip from Dover to Canterbury and Leeds Castle, then on to London or Heathrow with door-to-door coach transfer.
“Yvonne is very knowledgeable. She is very friendly and kind. We very enjoy the trip. Carl is an excellent driver.”
Guided hike from Lyttelton with coffee, poles, WWII views, and a picnic at Boulder Bay. Small group with easy port pickup.
“What a great day! So beautiful. Flick our guide was wonderful . Nicole’s communication about the tour excellent. The lunch was beyond yummy too!”
Akaroa to Christchurch with Botanic Gardens and a 35-minute Waimakariri jet boat, including port pickup and 360-degree river spins.
“This excursion was thrilling! We had an amazing time and tour through Akaroa ending with this once in a lifetime experience. The driver of the boat was a professional race driver and his skills were VERY evident. His wife had drinks and homemade treats for us after our boat ride. Highly recommend!”
Port Arthur and Tasman Peninsula shore tour with coastal sea cliffs, Tasman Arch, and local tastings from chocolate to lavender.
“We did the Port Arthur Tasman Tour which was very good. We did the 12pm tour so had lunch at Doolishus which was delicious then rock formations, a chocolate shop and lavender farm. The tour is structured for people arriving via cruise sRead more”
Christchurch shore day with port pickup, city earthquake-rebuild stops, and a thrilling jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River.
“disappointed ….. we received notification that they cancelled the tour, therefore there is nothing to review.”
Akaroa to Christchurch shore trip by coach: Banks Peninsula scenery, Botanic Gardens, earthquake recovery sights, and Willowbank kiwi wildlife reserve.
“Would never do this again. We sat on the bus for forty minutes waiting for a couple that wasn’t even on the same tour. We then traveled over 1 1/2 hours to Christchurch where the guide dropped us off in a dead zone for 25 minutes - not enRead more”
Waipara wine tour from Lyttelton with port pickup, tastings at three wineries, and lunch at Waipara Springs in about 5 hours.
“Our tour guide, Andrew, knew the best routes and wineries. Plus, lunch was excellent! Such a great experience, one of the best tours we have taken. Great pace between stops.”
Akaroa harbour sights, crater-rim views, a quick cheese stop, and a guided Giants House art tour. Small-group shore excursion.
“The bus trip was nice. I have a bad knee and it was hard to get up the hill to the Giant House. It was interesting Art work.”
Christchurch city highlights plus a Waipara wine tour from Lyttelton, with lunch and tastings at three wineries. Cruise-friendly day.
“Had the absolute best day with Di... She was a lifetime local and had so many great stories and was so engaging and personable. The morning tour of the city with just two other people was beautiful and Christchurch is at the top of our lisRead more”
From the Med to Alaska, the Caribbean to the fjords. Find the port your ship calls at, and the day worth booking.
