Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise shipExpert driver/guide with commentaryEntry to all listed attractionsLunch NOT includedGroup 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 Highlights Shore Excursion from Lyttelton Port

South Island

Leisure Tours

from

NZ$112

per adult

Book Now

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

Experiences

Shore Excursions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Lyttelton

Locations: Christchurch, Lyttelton

Duration: 3.5 Hours

A Half-Day Adventure Through Christchurch’s Heart

Begin your Christchurch Highlights Shore Excursion with a peaceful drive around Lyttelton Harbour and Governors Bay, where calm waters meet rugged hillsides. Climbing Dyers Pass rewards you with sweeping views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Stop at the Sign of the Kiwi, a local favourite that perfectly captures the charm and natural beauty of the region.

Continue your adventure with a visit to the tranquil Mona Vale Gardens, a haven of manicured lawns, historic homes, and winding waterways. It’s a beautiful contrast to the energy of the city, offering a moment to slow down and take in the scenery. The Avon River meanders gently through the gardens, creating picture-perfect scenes at every turn.

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.

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

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

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

People walking through a sunlit meadow in Hagley Park, Christchurch

Curator’s House in Gothic style at Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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

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

People walking under cherry blossoms in Hagley Park, Christchurch

Antigua Boat Sheds on the Avon River in Christchurch

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

Couple sitting beside the Avon River in Hagley Park, Christchurch

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.

Pathway alongside the Avon River in Christchurch with native trees

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

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

From Heritage to Modern Innovation in Christchurch

Your guide shares insights into Christchurch’s fascinating past and inspiring post-earthquake renewal as you explore the city centre. You’ll see how creativity and resilience have shaped this modern yet historic destination. From innovative architecture to restored heritage sites, every corner tells a story of progress and pride.

As the tour continues to the eastern suburbs, enjoy stunning coastal vistas from Evans Pass before arriving at Sumner Beach. The sea breeze, golden sands, and lively atmosphere make it a perfect final stop. After soaking in the seaside views, you’ll return to Lyttelton Port with unforgettable memories of Christchurch’s highlights.

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: LT75CS

Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship
Expert driver/guide with commentary
Entry to all listed attractions
Lunch NOT included
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 for your Christchurch Highlight Tour.

09:00 Depart Lyttelton, travelling via the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay. Ascend Dyers Pass, climbing the old volcanic crater wall to the summit. 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. Travel through the hillside suburb of Cashmere and some of Christchurch’s southern and western residential suburbs, including the exclusive suburb of Fendalton.

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. The central city tour will conclude in Cathedral Square, where you will have time to explore this central part of the city on foot, take photos, and have lunch.

12:00 Depart Cathedral Square and return to Lyttelton via the eastern suburbs, the estuary, and the beach suburb of Sumner, known for its sand and surf beaches and the Pacific Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. From Sumner, return to Lyttelton via Evans Pass, which was closed for over 7 years following the 2011 earthquake due to cliff collapse. Evans Pass offers fantastic views of the harbour heads and southern bays.

12:30 Stop at a viewing platform on the harbour side of Evans Pass, which overlooks the port’s container and coal terminals, and offers great views of the harbour and the historic Timeball station.

12:45 Return to Lyttelton township, where your awaiting shuttle will transfer you back to your cruise ship.

Tour Duration 3.5 hours