Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship.Expert driver/guide with commentaryEntry to all attractionsDelectable platter lunch at Waipara Springs Winery & RestaurantHosted tastings at multiple wineries, sampling a wide variety of winesGroup size 20 people

Adult: 16 years +Children: 3-15 yearsInfants: 2 years and under, free if not occupying a seat

Cancellations & Refunds

8 days or more before departure: Full refund**Between 7 days and 24 hours: 50% refund**Within 24 hours: No refundShould the cruise ship not berth for any reason, other than rescheduling within 7 days, no cancellation fees applies**.Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Overview Itinerary Dates & Pricing Book now

Christchurch & Waipara Wine Shore Excursion from Lyttelton

South Island

Leisure Tours

from

US$132

per adult

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Close-up of Pinot Noir grape clusters ready for harvest in Waipara Valley.

Experiences

Shore Excursions

Food, Wine and Beer Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Lyttelton

Locations: Christchurch, Lyttelton

Duration: 7.5 Hours

This full-day shore excursion combines Christchurch sightseeing with an afternoon in the Waipara wine region, travelling from Lyttelton through the Port Hills, Mona Vale and central Christchurch before heading north to the vineyards. Departing from Lyttelton township at around 9:00am, the tour runs for approximately 7.5 hours, including around 45 minutes' travel from Christchurch to Waipara and more than three hours in wine country for lunch and hosted tastings, before returning to Lyttelton at approximately 4:30pm. Available on selected cruise-ship days and subject to minimum numbers, it includes coach transport, expert driver-guide commentary, sightseeing stops, a platter lunch at Waipara Springs, hosted tastings at multiple wineries and a shuttle back to your cruise ship. It suits cruise passengers wanting to combine Christchurch's city and scenic highlights with a relaxed introduction to North Canterbury wine country in one day.

From Lyttelton Harbour to Christchurch's Garden City

Begin among the volcanic hills of Lyttelton Harbour, travelling through Governors Bay and climbing Dyers Pass towards some of the Port Hills' most memorable viewpoints. From the Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe, look across Christchurch and Pegasus Bay to the Canterbury Plains and distant Southern Alps — a striking perspective that reveals the city's position between mountains and coast.

Back at city level, take a leisurely stroll through Mona Vale, where landscaped gardens and the Avon River showcase the greener side of Christchurch. Continue into the central city as your guide shares stories of its heritage, the impact of the 2011 earthquakes and the architecture that has emerged during its regeneration. From here, leave the city behind and travel approximately 45 minutes north into the vineyards of Waipara.

The historic Sign of the Takahe building in Christchurch, surrounded by lush greenery and blue skies.

View across the lush Canterbury Plains towards the snow-capped Southern Alps, New Zealand.

Earthquake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral, partially collapsed and reinforced with steel framing.

Brightly coloured autumn trees and garden plantings alongside the Avon River at Mona Vale in Christchurch.

Historic Riccarton House surrounded by trees and gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Curator’s House in Gothic style at Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Autumn trees reflected in the Avon River as it flows through Mona Vale in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom during springtime at Hagley Park in Christchurch.

Colourful heritage buildings and outdoor dining on New Regent Street, Christchurch

Antigua Boat Sheds on the Avon River in Christchurch

Pathway alongside the Avon River in Christchurch with native trees

A carpet of bluebells blooming beneath tall trees in Hagley Park, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Colourful tulip flower beds blooming in spring at Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Tulip beds in front of the historic Robert McDougall Art Gallery in Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Rows of grapevines at Pegasus Bay Winery in Waipara Valley under a clear sky.

Bottles of Waipara Springs wine lined up on display at the winery.

Leafy vineyard rows in Waipara with golden autumn foliage and distant hills.

Visitors enjoying a tasting at Waipara Springs Winery cellar door.

Panoramic view from Sumner Beach over Christchurch city with the Southern Alps in the background.

View of the Sumner coastline and residential headland in Christchurch, New Zealand.

From Garden City Sights to Waipara Wine Country

Rolling vineyards and sheltering hills signal your arrival in Waipara, one of New Zealand's distinctive cool-climate wine regions. Begin at Waipara Springs Winery & Restaurant, where a hosted wine tasting is accompanied by an individual platter lunch. The region's climate and soils support a range of varieties, giving you the opportunity to taste local wines while enjoying the relaxed rural surroundings of North Canterbury.

The afternoon continues with visits to another two or three wineries, with hosted tastings offering between 16 and 22 wines across the day. Each stop provides a different perspective on Waipara's winemaking styles and the people behind them, while the vineyard scenery creates an easy-going contrast to the morning in Christchurch. After more than three hours in wine country, settle back for the journey to Lyttelton and your waiting cruise-ship shuttle.

This tour is only available to cruise passengers.

Worry-Free Guarantee: Ensuring timely return to your cruise ship or transfer to the next port of call if needed.

Tour code: LT75WCS

Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship.
Expert driver/guide with commentary
Entry to all attractions
Delectable platter lunch at Waipara Springs Winery & Restaurant
Hosted tastings at multiple wineries, sampling a wide variety of wines
Group size 20 people

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 3-15 years
Infants: 2 years and under, free if not occupying a seat

8 days or more before departure: Full refund**
Between 7 days and 24 hours: 50% refund**
Within 24 hours: No refund
Should the cruise ship not berth for any reason, other than rescheduling within 7 days, no cancellation fees applies**.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

⚠️ Please note: The timings for the Waipara Wine Tour below are indicative for cruise ships docking by 8 am or earlier. The itinerary may vary slightly depending on cruise ship schedules and weather conditions.

08:45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your Christchurch City Highlights with Waipara Wine Tour & Lunch.

09:00 Depart Lyttelton and travel through the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay. Ascend the hills via Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi, offering stunning views of both the harbour and the city of Christchurch.

09:30 Arrive at the Sign of the Takahe, a Scottish-style castle with a viewing platform that provides magnificent views over Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains, and the snowcapped Southern Alps (for up to 9 months of the year). Access the platform with a gentle 5-minute walk from the castle.

09:50 Depart the Sign of the Takahe for Mona Vale, a stately home with magnificent gardens in Christchurch city.

10:10 Arrive at Mona Vale’s front gate house and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, following the Avon River, one of the property’s boundaries. Admire the beautiful flora that attracts visitors from far and wide. The coach will then travel to the rear gate house, where your tour guide will meet you after you’ve had the opportunity to explore the gardens.

10:30 Depart Mona Vale and travel into central Christchurch. Your guide will explain the history of the city and the lasting effects of the February 2011 earthquakes. See memorials, surviving architecture, and new buildings that have replaced the old skyline.

11:15 Depart the city for the Waipara Wine Region, approximately a 45-minute drive north of Christchurch. The Waipara Valley is known for its warm dry climate and rich alluvial soils, ideal for excellent wine production. Visit Waipara Springs Winery & Restaurant for a tasting and lunch (individual platter). After lunch, visit 2-3 additional wineries for hosted tastings, sampling between 16 and 22 wines. Discover a new favourite wine and perhaps pick up a bottle or two to take with you.

15:30 Depart the Waipara Wine Region for Lyttelton Harbour.

16:30 Return to Lyttelton township, where your awaiting shuttle will transfer you back to your cruise ship.

Tour Duration 7.5 hours

Please note that minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed.

Departure Dates

Available as a cruise excursion only. Please note minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed.

Pricing

Cost per Person (Oct 2026 - Apr 2027)

Adult (16 years+): from NZ$235
Children (3-15 years): from NZ$145
Infants* (2 years and under): Infants travel free if not occupying a seat.

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