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Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttelton

Days
1

Pricing From
$160

South Island
Book Now

Overview

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttelton: A Journey Through Nature and History

Discover the wonders of Christchurch and its surroundings on this comprehensive 7.5-hour tour from Lyttelton. Featuring historic sites, stunning landscapes, and an in-depth wildlife experience, this tour is an ideal choice for those looking to experience the full spectrum of what Christchurch has to offer.

Your adventure starts in the historic Lyttelton township, moving through the picturesque bays to the breathtaking viewpoints at the Sign of the Kiwi and the Sign of the Takahe. Explore the tranquil gardens of Mona Vale before diving into the heart of Christchurch. Learn about the city’s transformation following the devastating 2011 earthquakes with a walking tour around Cathedral Square.

The highlight of your tour will be a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where you can encounter New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna, including the elusive kiwi. Learn about local conservation efforts aimed at preserving these incredible species.

Your return journey takes you through the Eastern Suburbs and Sumner, culminating in a stunning view from Evans Pass, before concluding back in Lyttelton.

Book your spot now and take part in this unforgettable journey through Christchurch’s history, nature, and conservation efforts, making it a perfect addition to any travel itinerary.

Worry Free Guarantee

All tours are designed to meet the cruise ships port arrival and departure times. If for any reason you are not returned to your ship prior to its departure we guarantee to get you to the ships next port of call.

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

Christchurch Sightseeing & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Cruise Excursion from Lyttleton

  • 08:45 - Meet and greet in Lyttelton township
  • 09:00 - Depart Lyttelton, travelling via the scenic inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay, then ascending Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi, offering panoramic views of the harbour and Christchurch.
  • 09:30 - Arrive at the Sign of the Takahe, a castle-like structure with a viewing platform for breathtaking views over Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains, and the snow-capped Southern Alps. A gentle 5-minute walk leads to the platform.
  • 09:50 - Depart for Mona Vale, a stately home renowned for its magnificent gardens.
  • 10:10 - Arrive at Mona Vale and enjoy a stroll through the gardens along the Avon River. Your guide will meet you at the rear gatehouse following your exploration.
  • 10:30 - Depart Mona Vale for a guided tour of central Christchurch, exploring the city’s rich history and recovery post the 2011 earthquakes. The city tour concludes in Cathedral Square, where you'll have time for photos and lunch.
  • 12:45 - Depart Cathedral Square for Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour focusing on New Zealand's unique native wildlife and conservation efforts, including a chance to see endangered species like the kiwi.
  • 15:15 - Depart Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, returning to Lyttelton via the Eastern Suburbs, the estuary, and Sumner with its sand and surf beaches. The route includes Evans Pass, offering spectacular views of the harbour heads and southern bays.
  • 16:20 - Stop at a viewing platform on Evans Pass overlooking the port's terminals and providing views of the harbour and the historic Timeball Station.
  • 16:30 - Return to Lyttelton township where your shuttle awaits to transfer you back to your cruise ship.
  • Tour Duration: 7.5 hours.

Cost per person 

October 2024 - April 2025

  • Adult: NZ$160
  • Child (3-15 yrs): NZ$80
  • Infant (0-2 yrs): No Charge

Cancellation Fees:

  • Outside 7 Days no charge
  • Within 7 days 50%
  • Within 24 hours of scheduled departure 100%
  • If no notice is given the full tour fee will be charged.
  • Should the cruise ship not berth for any reason, no cancellation fees applies
  • 08:45 - Meet and greet in Lyttelton township
  • 09:00 - Depart Lyttelton, travelling via the scenic inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay, then ascending Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi, offering panoramic views of the harbour and Christchurch.
  • 09:30 - Arrive at the Sign of the Takahe, a castle-like structure with a viewing platform for breathtaking views over Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains, and the snow-capped Southern Alps. A gentle 5-minute walk leads to the platform.
  • 09:50 - Depart for Mona Vale, a stately home renowned for its magnificent gardens.
  • 10:10 - Arrive at Mona Vale and enjoy a stroll through the gardens along the Avon River. Your guide will meet you at the rear gatehouse following your exploration.
  • 10:30 - Depart Mona Vale for a guided tour of central Christchurch, exploring the city’s rich history and recovery post the 2011 earthquakes. The city tour concludes in Cathedral Square, where you'll have time for photos and lunch.
  • 12:45 - Depart Cathedral Square for Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour focusing on New Zealand's unique native wildlife and conservation efforts, including a chance to see endangered species like the kiwi.
  • 15:15 - Depart Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, returning to Lyttelton via the Eastern Suburbs, the estuary, and Sumner with its sand and surf beaches. The route includes Evans Pass, offering spectacular views of the harbour heads and southern bays.
  • 16:20 - Stop at a viewing platform on Evans Pass overlooking the port's terminals and providing views of the harbour and the historic Timeball Station.
  • 16:30 - Return to Lyttelton township where your shuttle awaits to transfer you back to your cruise ship.
  • Tour Duration: 7.5 hours.

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