Christchurch & Jet Boat Shore Excursion from Lyttelton

This full-day Christchurch and jet boat shore excursion takes cruise passengers from Lyttelton through the Port Hills, Mona Vale and central Christchurch before heading to the Waimakariri River for an exhilarating jet boating experience. Departing from Lyttelton township at around 9:00am, the tour runs for approximately 6.5 hours, with the morning devoted to Christchurch sightseeing before leaving Cathedral Square at 12:45pm for the river and returning to Lyttelton at around 4:30pm. Available on selected cruise-ship days and subject to minimum numbers, it includes coach transport, sightseeing stops, the Waimakariri jet boat experience, entry to listed attractions, expert driver-guide commentary and a shuttle back to your cruise ship. Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, it suits travellers who want to combine Christchurch’s city, garden and hilltop highlights with a more adventurous afternoon on one of Canterbury’s famous braided rivers.

From Lyttelton Harbour to the Heart of Christchurch

Begin among the volcanic hills surrounding 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 expansive views across Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and towards the Southern Alps. It’s a striking introduction to the region, showing how the city sits between the mountains, harbour and broad Canterbury landscape.

Continue to Mona Vale, where landscaped gardens, mature trees and the Avon River provide a peaceful change of pace. From here, head into central Christchurch as your guide shares stories about the city’s heritage, the impact of the 2011 earthquakes and its continuing regeneration. Time around Cathedral Square lets you see the changing face of Christchurch before leaving the city behind for the afternoon’s river adventure.