Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship.Expert driver/guide with commentaryAll attraction tickets are included: covering the tram, punting, and gondola experiences.Group size 50 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 Tram, Punting & Gondola Shore Excursion from Lyttelton

South Island

Leisure Tours

from

US$132

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

This full-day Christchurch shore excursion takes cruise passengers from Lyttelton through the Port Hills, Mona Vale and central Christchurch, combining city sightseeing with three signature experiences: the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon and Christchurch Gondola. Departing from Lyttelton township at around 9:00am, the tour runs for approximately seven hours, with sightseeing and free time in central Christchurch, a scheduled punting experience at 1:45pm, time at the Gondola from around 2:30pm, and departure for Lyttelton at approximately 3:45pm. Available on selected cruise-ship days and subject to minimum numbers, it includes coach transport, expert driver-guide commentary, tickets for the tram, punting and gondola, and a shuttle back to your cruise ship. Lunch is not included. Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, it particularly suits first-time visitors who want to combine Christchurch’s major sights, gardens and viewpoints with three of the city’s classic attractions in one day.

From Lyttelton Harbour to Christchurch’s Garden City

Begin with the volcanic landscapes of Lyttelton Harbour, travelling through Governors Bay before climbing Dyers Pass towards the Port Hills. Stops at the Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe reveal sweeping views across Christchurch, Pegasus Bay and the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps. From the hills, continue to elegant Mona Vale, where mature gardens, sweeping lawns and the Avon River provide a peaceful introduction to Christchurch’s reputation as the Garden City.

The journey then moves into central Christchurch, where your guide shares stories of the city’s heritage, the devastating 2011 earthquakes and the regeneration that has transformed its centre. Finish the guided city portion at Cathedral Square and board the historic Christchurch Tram, with the freedom to hop on and off and explore at your own pace. It’s also your opportunity to stop for lunch before the afternoon’s two signature experiences.

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

Tram, Punting & Gondola — Three Christchurch Classics in One Day

See Christchurch from three very different perspectives. The heritage tram provides a relaxed way to move between central-city landmarks, while Punting on the Avon slows the pace completely as a traditionally dressed punter guides your flat-bottomed boat along the river. Passing Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens from the water reveals the leafy side of Christchurch that has helped shape the city’s distinctive character.

The final experience takes you above the city on the Christchurch Gondola, climbing from the Heathcote Valley towards the Port Hills in approximately 15 minutes. From the summit, take in expansive views across Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour before descending for the return journey to your ship. Together, the tram, punt and gondola provide three memorable ways to experience Christchurch — from its streets, from the Avon River and from high above the city.

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: LT75ACS

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

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 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.