Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise shipGuided tour at Willowbank Wildlife ReserveVisit attractions: Sign of the Kiwi, Sign of the Takahe, Mona Vale gardens, central Christchurch (including Cathedral Square), Sumner beach, Evans Pass, and viewing platform overlooking the port and Timeball stationExpert driver/guide with commentaryLunch 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 & Willowbank Shore Excursion from Lyttelton Port

South Island

Leisure Tours

from

NZ$170

per adult

Book Now

Nocturnal kiwi bird walking through ferns at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Experiences

Shore Excursions

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

South Island

Start: Lyttelton

Locations: Lyttelton, Christchurch

Duration: 7.5 hours

Experience the Essence of Christchurch’s Landscape and Culture

Start your adventure with a picturesque drive through Lyttelton Harbour and Governors Bay, where rolling hills meet the sparkling water. Capture panoramic views of Christchurch and the Southern Alps from the Sign of the Kiwi lookout. Take time to wander through the peaceful Mona Vale Gardens, a lush oasis filled with native blooms and elegant heritage bridges.

In the heart of Christchurch, explore the city’s blend of old and new as it continues to rebuild with resilience after the 2011 earthquakes. Learn how local culture and creativity have shaped the city’s unique character. The revitalised streets, modern architecture, and artistic flair reveal a community full of strength and spirit.

Aerial view of Lyttelton Harbour and surrounding hills in Christchurch

A dawn view over Lyttelton Harbour with the lights of Lyttelton town and Diamond Harbour across the water, Canterbury, New Zealand.

Curator’s House in Gothic style at Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Historic Public Trust Office building in Christchurch

Colourful heritage buildings and outdoor dining on New Regent Street, Christchurch

Pathway alongside the Avon River in Christchurch with native trees

Tuatara resting on a mossy rock at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

New Zealand longfin eel swimming in a stream at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Two fallow deer lying on the grass at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Mother and son walking on a bush track at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Young boy smiling at a kea parrot on a rock at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Mother and son sitting by a kea parrot at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Family feeding an alpaca at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

A curious kea parrot perched on a rock at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Kunekune pig walking near an enclosure at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Raised wooden walkway through native bush at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Two children feeding an alpaca at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Close-up of a tuatara on forest floor at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Ring-tailed lemur resting on a log at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Kea parrot displaying its vibrant underwings at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

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

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

Willowbank Adventures and Coastal Serenity

Your journey continues to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic native creatures. Guided tours bring you face-to-face with the elusive kiwi, along with tuatara, kea, and other fascinating species. It’s a rare chance to appreciate the country’s deep connection to its natural heritage.

Round off the day at Sumner Beach and Evans Pass, where the coastline stretches endlessly under open skies. Breathe in the fresh sea air and soak up the stunning views before returning to Lyttelton. This final stop perfectly captures the beauty and tranquillity that make Christchurch such a captivating destination.

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: LT76ACS

Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship
Guided tour at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Visit attractions: Sign of the Kiwi, Sign of the Takahe, Mona Vale gardens, central Christchurch (including Cathedral Square), Sumner beach, Evans Pass, and viewing platform overlooking the port and Timeball station
Expert driver/guide with commentary
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 with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

09:00 Depart Lyttelton and travel through the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay. Ascend Dyers Pass to the summit for stunning views of the harbour and Christchurch from the Sign of the Kiwi.

09:30 Arrive at the Sign of the Takahe, a Scottish-style castle featuring a viewing platform with breathtaking views of Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains, and the snow-capped Southern Alps. The platform is accessible with a short, easy 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 take a leisurely stroll through the grounds, following the Avon River along the property’s edge. After exploring the gardens, the coach will pick you up at the rear gate house, where your tour guide will meet you.

10:30 Depart Mona Vale and head into central Christchurch, where you'll learn about the city's history and the impact of the February 2011 earthquakes. See the destructive power of nature and the ongoing rebuild efforts. The tour concludes at Cathedral Square, giving you time to explore on foot, take photos, and enjoy lunch.

12:45 Depart Cathedral Square and head to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for an enjoyable guided tour. Explore the reserve's unique native wildlife and flora, including some of New Zealand’s most endangered species like the kiwi, while learning about important conservation efforts.

15:15 Depart Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and return to Lyttelton via the eastern suburbs, the estuary, and the beach suburb of Sumner, known for its sand and surf beaches. From Sumner, the tour will 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.

16:20 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.

16:30 Return to Lyttelton township, where your awaiting shuttle will transfer you back to your cruise ship.

Tour Duration 7.5 hours