Only recently completed in 2020, the Lyttelton Cruise Terminal is the only purpose built cruise terminal in New Zealand's South Island, located a 20 minute drive from Christchurch. On cruise days, Lyttleton Cruise Excursions depart from the Port of Lyttelton, with trips to Christchurch, Banks Peninsula & Akaroa, as well as to Arthurs Pass in the Southern Alps.
Cruise excursions to Christchurch allow you to discover the main attractions in the "Garden City". With a range of different tour options, you can take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram, visit Christchurch Botanical Gardens, go Punting on the Avon River with a guide classically dressed as an English punter, or take a ride up the Gondola for spectacular views of Christchurch City, the Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula. Lyttelton Cruise Ship Excursions to Christchurch also have options to include a visit to the local Waipara Wineries, see the International Antarctic Centre, visit Willowbank Wildlife Centre, see a working Sheep Farm, or take an exhillerating ride on a Jet Boat.
Very popular with visitors on a Lyttelton Cruise Excursion is a day trip to Akaroa, on the south-eastern tip of Banks Peninsula, 75 km from Christchurch. With it's French and European heritage you will have plenty of time to browse the boutique shops, or cafes. A nature cruise on the Canterbury Cat to see the rare and endangered Hector's Dolphins, the world's smallest dolphin, New Zealand Fur Seals, and the cute little Blue Penguin. Afterwards you will stop for some tastings at Barry's Bay Cheese Factory, who have been making traditional handcrafted cheese since 1895.
Another options for a Lyttelton Cruise Excursion is a day trip through the Southern Alps via the Alpine Pass to Arthurs Park National Park, past towering mountains, raging rapids, and emerald green lakes. Not to be missed is a jet boat trip down the breathtaking gorges of the Waimakariri River. Depending on your cruise ships arrival and departure, you may be able to include the TranzAlpine Express, one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.
