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South Island

Start: Lyttelton
Locations: Christchurch, Lyttelton
Duration: 7.5 Hours

This full-day Christchurch and sheep farm shore excursion takes cruise passengers from Lyttelton through the Port Hills, Mona Vale and central Christchurch before continuing to a working sheep farm in either the Southern Alps foothills or Banks Peninsula. Departing from Lyttelton township at around 9:00am, the tour runs for approximately 7.5 hours, including Christchurch sightseeing, free time in the city, travel to and from the farm and around 1 hour 45 minutes at the farm, before returning to Lyttelton at approximately 4:30pm. Available on selected cruise-ship days and subject to minimum numbers, it includes coach transport, sightseeing stops, a sheepdog demonstration, live sheep shearing, afternoon tea, expert driver-guide commentary and a shuttle back to your cruise ship. Lunch is not included. Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, it suits travellers wanting to combine Christchurch’s city and scenic highlights with an authentic introduction to New Zealand farming life in a single day.

From Lyttelton Harbour to the Heart of Christchurch

Begin among the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lyttelton Harbour, travelling through Governors Bay before climbing Dyers Pass to the Port Hills. From the Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe, take in wide-ranging views across Christchurch, Pegasus Bay and the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps. The elevated perspective provides a memorable introduction to the region and reveals just how closely the city sits between mountains and sea.

Continue to Mona Vale for a leisurely walk through elegant gardens beside the Avon River before heading into central Christchurch. Around Cathedral Square, hear about the city’s history, the impact of the 2011 earthquakes and the rebuilding that continues to reshape its centre. There is time to explore independently, take photographs and purchase lunch before leaving the city behind for an afternoon in rural Canterbury.

Sheepdogs, Shearing & a Taste of Kiwi Farm Life

The afternoon brings a complete change of scenery as you arrive at a working sheep farm either in the foothills west of Christchurch or on Banks Peninsula, depending on availability. Watch trained sheepdogs demonstrate the remarkable teamwork between dog and farmer as they round up the flock, then get a closer look at the sheep with opportunities to touch and photograph them.

A live shearing demonstration provides an insight into another important part of New Zealand’s farming heritage, with the farmer explaining different types of wool and what happens after the fleece leaves the sheep. Afterwards, settle in for afternoon tea with tea or coffee and a selection of homemade cakes. It’s a relaxed and distinctly Kiwi conclusion to a day that combines Christchurch sightseeing with the people, animals and traditions of rural New Zealand.

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: LT77CS

  • Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship
  • Entry to all listed attractions.
  • Afternoon tea will be served with a choice of tea or coffee and a selection of home made cakes at the sheep farm.
  • Expert driver/guide with commentary
  • Group size 6 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.

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