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Christchurch’s Best Attractions Shore Excursion

South Island

Leisure Tours

from

NZ$220

per adult

Book Now

People enjoying outdoor dining on New Regent Street as a Christchurch heritage tram passes by.

Christchurch Tram 11 crossing Worcester Street Bridge over the Avon River

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

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

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

Groups punting from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds in Christchurch

Visitors punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, passing under a bridge near the Botanic Gardens

Family on a ride through native forest scenery in the Christchurch Gondola’s Time Tunnel

Gondola cabin overlooking Banks Peninsula and the turquoise waters of Lyttelton Harbour

Experiences

Shore Excursions

Family-friendly Tours

South Island

Start: Lyttelton

Locations: Christchurch, Lyttelton

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 7 hours

Details

Explore Christchurch’s Landscape and Local Stories

Set off on a breathtaking journey from the port of Lyttelton through the picturesque inner bays, taking in stunning views at Governors Bay and Dyers Pass. Capture memorable photos at the Sign of the Kiwi lookout, where the panoramic views stretch across the city and beyond. A peaceful stroll through Mona Vale Gardens offers a tranquil moment surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms.

Continue your adventure in central Christchurch, where every corner tells a story of resilience and renewal. Your local guide shares fascinating insights into the city’s remarkable rebuild following the 2011 earthquakes. From heritage architecture to modern innovation, Christchurch beautifully blends old-world charm with contemporary flair.

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.

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

Sailboats moored in the calm waters of the estuary at Redcliffs, Christchurch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Historic New Regent Street in Christchurch with pastel-coloured Spanish Mission architecture and the Christchurch Tram

Christchurch Tram passing the Bridge of Remembrance in the city centre

Christchurch Tram 1888 travelling along High Street in the city centre

Christchurch Tram stopping at the Cathedral Square tram stop with passengers aboard

Promotional banner of Christchurch Tram at New Regent Street with colourful Spanish Mission buildings

Passengers seated inside the Christchurch Tram with views of New Regent Street through the windows

Historic Christchurch tram passing Stranges Lane in the vibrant SALT District

Blue Christchurch Tram driving past Glassons and other retail stores on High Street

Christchurch Tram 152 passing by Tūranga Central Library in Cathedral Square

Tram 1888 on Worcester Street Bridge beside Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Tram 11 passing Grant Thornton House on Worcester Boulevard in Christchurch

Punting boat gliding through blossom-framed scenery on the Avon River

Families punting on the Avon River near Worcester Street Bridge with Hagley Park in the background

Couple enjoying a romantic punt ride on the Avon River near Antigua Boat Sheds

Couple punting through autumn scenery on the Avon River in Hagley Park

Punting on the Avon River in front of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Punting on the Avon River with Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola cable car with panoramic views over Banks Peninsula

Gondola cabin arriving at summit station overlooking Lyttelton Harbour

Gondola descending from Port Hills with Christchurch city visible in the distance

View from the summit of the Christchurch Gondola looking across the Canterbury Plains

Discover Christchurch’s Signature Experiences

This all-inclusive tour captures the essence of Christchurch with its most beloved experiences. Climb aboard the hop-on, hop-off tram to discover key city landmarks at your own pace and enjoy the nostalgic feel of this classic mode of transport. Glide gently along the Avon River on a relaxing punting trip, passing the lush Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens.

The day’s highlight awaits as you ascend the Christchurch Gondola for sweeping views across the Canterbury Plains and all the way to the Southern Alps. Each stop along the way reveals a new perspective of this vibrant city, offering both natural beauty and cultural depth. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this tour captures the very heart of Christchurch.

Inclusions

Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship.
Expert driver/guide with commentary
All attraction tickets are included: covering the tram, punting, and gondola experiences.
Group size 50 people

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.

Age Information

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 3-15 years
Infants: 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 refund
Should the cruise ship not berth for any reason, other than rescheduling within 7 days, no cancellation fees applies**.

Note: **Refund excludes any payment or credit card fees, if applicable, that are non-refundable.

*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Tour code: LT75ACS

Itinerary

⚠️ Please note: The itinerary may vary slightly depending on cruise ship schedules and weather conditions.

08:45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township to begin your Christchurch Highlight Tour.

09:00 Depart Lyttelton, travelling through the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay. Ascend Dyers Pass, which climbs the old volcanic crater wall to the summit, and enjoy wonderful views of both the harbour and the city of Christchurch from the Sign of the Kiwi.

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 snow-capped Southern Alps. Access to the viewing platform is via a gentle 5-minute walk.

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

10:10 Arrive at the front gate house of Mona Vale and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, following the Avon River, which acts as one of the property’s boundaries. 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. Learn about the city’s history and the devastating effects of the February 2011 earthquakes. See the destructive power of nature and the ongoing rebuild efforts.

11:15 Conclude the central city tour in Cathedral Square, the main stop for the Christchurch tram. Receive tickets for the tram, gondola, and punting on the Avon. The tram ticket is valid for the day, allowing you to hop on and off when you see something of interest or wish to stop for lunch.

13:45 Join punting on the Avon. Enjoy a serene ride in a flat punt boat, propelled by a punter standing at the rear with a long wooden pole. Take in views of Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens.

14:30 After punting, transfer to the Christchurch Gondola. Take the gondola from the base station to the summit, a ride of approximately 15 minutes. Enjoy time at the summit, taking in breathtaking views and the summit attractions before returning to the base station by gondola.

15:45 Depart the gondola for Lyttelton.

Tour Duration 7 hours.

All attraction tickets are included in the price.

Pricing

Cost per Person (2025-26)

Adult (16 years+): from NZ$220
Children (3-15 years): from NZ$110
Infants* (2 years and under): Infants travel free if not occupying a seat.

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