13 Shore Excursions in Christchurch to Build a Day Around

1.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 209 reviews · from $62Our pick

Travel from Lyttelton port into Christchurch with a local driver-guide such as Scotty, Joseph, or Larry. See Mona Vale Gardens, hear how the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes changed the city, and take in wide views from the Sign of the Takahe. Central-city free time includes a chance for lunch.

“This tour went over the Dyer Pass which gives great views of Christchurch. I enjoyed the walk through Mona Park and the bus did a circuit of the city where all the sights were pointed out and the earthquake history and damage were explained.”

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2.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 194 reviews · from $114

Travel from Lyttelton into Christchurch with a local driver-guide such as Scotty or Joseph. See hilltop views, Mona Vale Gardens, Cathedral Square, and Riverside Market before spending two hours at the International Antarctic Centre, including rescued blue penguins, a simulated blizzard, and a Hagglund ice-vehicle ride.

“We had a good time and enjoyed the guides. The Antarctic experience was a lot of fun but we ran out of time to visit the souvenir shop. We can recommend this excursion.”

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3.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 84 reviews · from $102

From Lyttelton Harbour, a driver-guide such as Joseph or Scotty takes you through Christchurch’s viewpoints, gardens, Cathedral Square, and Riverside Market before a guided Willowbank visit. Expect live commentary, coach transport, included entry, and a chance to see kiwi in a purpose-built nocturnal habitat.

“My mom and I enjoyed the tour very much. Especially in a van with a small group of tourists. The personalized service from the tour guide is excellent.”

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4.Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $186Top rated

From Lyttelton Port, you’ll ride to Sumner Beach for coffee, then hike the roughly 8-kilometre Godley Head Loop from Taylors Mistake. Guides such as Nicole, Heidi, Dee, and Flick lead the walk, provide poles and lunch, and leave time for photos, wildlife, and coastal views before returning you to port.

“Great experience with fantastic views. Nicole and Heidi were incredible hosts. Highly recommend this hike/walk!”

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5.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $148

Spend about six and a half hours touring Christchurch with a local driver-guide, stopping at the Sign of the Takahe, Mona Vale, Cathedral Square, and Riverside Market before a 20 to 30 minute jet boat ride on the shallow Waimakariri River. Guides such as Joseph, Diana, Scotty, and Anne are known for lively local commentary.

“Had hoped the jet boat ride was more than a quickie! It was fun, just know it’s a 20 minute activity at the end of sightseeing Christchurch!”

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6.Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $117

From Lyttelton, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to Waipara Valley for tastings at three wineries and lunch at Waipara Springs. Guides such as Andrew, Tania, Joseph, and Caroline provide local commentary and keep an eye on ship departure times. Expect Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, boutique cellar doors, and a relaxed five-hour outing.

“A wonderful day! We learned so much.... We visited 3 wineries for tastings. The wineries were Georges Road, Waipara Spings (where we also had lunch) and Torlesse.. All were top notch! We particularly liked the dry Riesling a Georges Road!”

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7.Lyttelton Shore Excursion – City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · from $139

Spend the morning seeing Christchurch from Lyttelton to the city, with views from the Sign of the Takahe, Mona Vale Gardens, and Christchurch Cathedral. Then head north to Waipara for lunch and tastings at Waipara Springs, Torlesse Wines, and Georges Road Wines. Guides may include Andrew, Rob, Carmen, Tania, or Di.

“City Highlights & Waipara wine tour was great. Carmen our guide was really great! The ‘city highlights’ was just that. Most of the day was at the 3 wineries. The hosts were exceptional at George Road Winery, and the wines were good. ThRead more”

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8.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur’s Pass Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · from $185

From Lyttelton, follow the road through Springfield and Castle Hill to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Visit Toby Hill Farm for sheepdogs, shearing, and afternoon tea, then stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout before lunch and free time in Arthur’s Pass Village. The small group is capped at 20, with guides such as Jude leading the day.

“Every stop was beautiful and this was one of our favorite stops in New Zealand! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly; we strongly recommend this experience to anyone stopping in Lyttleton.”

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9.Akaroa & Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton(Private Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $496

Travel from Lyttelton to Akaroa with a private local guide such as Gemma, Jared, or Ollie. You’ll pause at Gebbies Pass, walk among native trees at Kaituna Valley, browse Little River, visit the Giant’s House, and enjoy three hours in Akaroa. Morning tea and lunch are included, with the route timed for cruise passengers.

“Our guide Ollie local knowledge very good private for 2 nice vehicle very nice. Ollie took us to a winery we requested. It was a wonderful day that was made better by Ollie.”

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10.Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $309

Travel from Lyttelton through Christchurch, Canterbury farming towns, and the Great Alpine Highway to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Your small group of up to eight explores giant limestone boulders, learns about Māori culture and geology, and eats a picnic lunch among the rocks. Guides such as Gemma and Nathanael have led this route.

“This tour included a round trip through Canterbury Plains to sacred Maora rock formations. It included lots of elevated hiking which you should be prepared for. Be sure to bring your water bottles because none were provided for our group. The views were fabulous the driving speed to and from was scary to say the least! As far as recommending, maybe.”

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11.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $167

Spend about eight hours touring Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton to Akaroa in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll see the twin harbors, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, stop at a cheese factory, and take a two-hour Black Cat nature cruise, where rare Hector’s dolphins are often seen. Port pickup and drop-off are included.

“We found it difficult to meet the bus although we followed instructions given. Had to phone the company who came and picked us up. Along with another group who were booked on the same tour. The drivers then conducted several head cRead more”

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12.CRUISE SHIP DAY LYTTELTON Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours to Waipara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $80

From Lyttelton, spend about five hours exploring North Canterbury by air-conditioned vehicle. Choose from 18 stops, including Pegasus Bay, Greystone, Black Estate, Brew Moon, cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Your driver and guide manage the timetable, while tastings and food are purchased separately.

“Great trip! Our driver was patient with us when it took a while to get off our ship. He recommended and took us to amazing wineries. Very very friendly and a highlight of our trip! I would definitely recommend.”

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13.Akaroa & Giants House Garden tour ex Lyttelton (Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $340

Travel from Lyttelton to Akaroa with a local guide and no more than seven fellow passengers. See volcanic scenery, stop for morning tea in native bush, explore Little River, visit the Giant’s House mosaic garden, and enjoy café lunch before returning to the port.

“Our guide, Jared, was kind and accommodating. The area is stunning and he took us to some wonderful sites.”

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