What are the inclusions of the Christchurch Highlights Shore Excursion?

Return transportation from Lyttelton PortExperienced local guidePunting on the Avon experienceStainless steel souvenir drink bottleHot drink at a local caféLight refreshments, including fresh fruit and snacksNot included:LunchPersonal purchasesYou have free time at Riverside Market, where you can choose and purchase your own lunch.

Overview Itinerary FAQs Departure Dates Book now

Christchurch Highlights & Avon Punting Small Group Shore Excursion

Oct-Apr

South Island

Crater Rim Walks

from

AU$305

per adult

Book Now

Traditional punt departing from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds on the Avon River in Christchurch

Experiences

Shore Excursions

Day Tours

Small Group Tours

Family-friendly Tours

South Island

Start: Norwich Quay, Lyttelton Port

Locations: Lyttelton, Christchurch

Travel Time: 6 hours

The Christchurch Highlights & Avon Punting Shore Excursion is a 6-hour small-group tour from Lyttelton, combining coastal scenery, Christchurch landmarks, the Botanic Gardens and Punting on the Avon. Departing at 9:00am and returning around 3:00pm, the tour includes return transport, an experienced local guide, a hot drink in Sumner, light refreshments and a souvenir drink bottle. With 3–4 km of easy walking and groups of 2–10, it suits cruise passengers wanting a relaxed introduction to Christchurch.

Explore Christchurch Highlights, Coastal Scenery and Avon River Punting

Your day begins in Lyttelton, where your local guide meets you for a journey through the Port Hills towards Christchurch. Along the way, enjoy views across Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the Pacific coastline. In the seaside suburb of Sumner, visit the beachfront and discover Cave Rock, a distinctive volcanic rock formation beside the beach. A café stop provides an opportunity to enjoy a hot drink while taking in the coastal surroundings. As the tour continues into Christchurch, the scenery changes from hillside viewpoints and beaches to the city's heritage buildings, gardens and modern streets.

In central Ōtautahi Christchurch, your guide introduces landmarks that tell the story of the city's past and its recovery following the Canterbury earthquakes. Explore Cathedral Square, the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral, colourful New Regent Street and the Bridge of Remembrance. There is time to discover the food stalls and cafés at Riverside Market before visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, known for their established trees, rose gardens and historic Peacock Fountain. The day concludes with a shared punt ride along the Avon River, where a punter guides a traditional flat-bottomed boat past leafy riverbanks and gardens before your return journey to Lyttelton.

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Christchurch's Gothic Revival heritage precinct

Group at the Peacock Fountain in Christchurch Botanic Gardens during a private Christchurch Highlights Tour

Visitors in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Rose Garden during a private Christchurch Highlights Tour

Historic Christchurch Tram travelling through Cashel Mall towards the Bridge of Remembrance

Sea Signals mural by Kophie and Monti on Manchester Street in Christchurch during a private Christchurch Highlights Tour

Wongi Wilson mural on New Regent Street in Christchurch during a private Christchurch Highlights Tour

Historic Christchurch Tram travelling along New Regent Street during a private Christchurch Highlights Tour

Visitors exploring colourful New Regent Street during a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

Traditional Avon River punt with Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in the background

Traditional punt on the Avon River during a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

Historic Antigua Boat Sheds punting bookings on the Avon River in Christchurch

Outdoor dining at Riverside Market during a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

Inside Riverside Market in Christchurch during a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

Visitors at the Sign of the Kiwi overlooking Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula on a private Christchurch tour

Visitors enjoying coffee with views of Sumner Beach during a private Christchurch sightseeing tour

Guests enjoying a café stop overlooking Sumner Beach on a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

Visitors at Cave Rock on Sumner Beach during a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

Visitors overlooking Sumner Beach and Pegasus Bay on a private Christchurch Highlights & Punting Tour

What are the highlights of this Chirstchurch Highlights Shore Excursion from Lyttelton?

Travel through the Port Hills, discover Sumner Beach and see Cave Rock beside the Pacific Ocean.
Explore historic streets and earthquake-era landmarks while learning about the city's rebuilding and regeneration.
Finish your Christchurch visit aboard a traditional punt, travelling past gardens and tree-lined riverbanks.

Return transportation from Lyttelton Port
Experienced local guide
Punting on the Avon experience
Stainless steel souvenir drink bottle
Hot drink at a local café
Light refreshments, including fresh fruit and snacks

Not included:

Lunch
Personal purchases

You have free time at Riverside Market, where you can choose and purchase your own lunch.

Walking and Fitness: Enjoy an easy-paced sightseeing tour with approximately 3–4 km of walking spread across several stops throughout the day. There are no significant uphill climbs, making it suitable for most fitness levels. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know before booking.

Transport: Travel comfortably in your private vehicle with a local guide throughout the six-hour experience. Your day includes scenic drives, sightseeing stops, free time to explore and a 30-minute punt ride along the Avon River. Time spent at each location may vary depending on your itinerary.

Meals and Facilities: Lunch is not included, but you'll have the opportunity to purchase food at Riverside Market, where a variety of cafés and food stalls are available. Your guide can advise you about toilet facilities during sightseeing stops.

Weather: The tour generally operates in a range of weather conditions, so bring suitable clothing for the day. Your guide may adjust the itinerary if weather affects planned activities. If the tour cannot safely proceed, alternative arrangements, rescheduling or a refund may be offered in accordance with the operator's terms.

1-4 guests

Outside 48 hours before departure: full refund*
Within 48 hours: no refund

5 or more guests

Outside 7 days: full refund*
Within 7 days: no refund

*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

Frequently asked questions

The excursion generally operates in a range of weather conditions, so light rain does not automatically mean cancellation. The guide may change the sightseeing route or provide alternative stops if conditions are unsuitable. If the operator cancels for safety reasons and cannot provide an acceptable alternative, a refund or rescheduled date is available.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring a waterproof or windproof layer, sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and any personal medication.

Expect approximately 3–4 km of easy walking spread throughout the six-hour tour. There is no significant elevation on foot, so the experience is designed as relaxed sightseeing rather than an active hike.