Top Christchurch Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter. Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history. - Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey - Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing - Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on a minibus without needing to drive. Enjoy an included lunch and hotel pickup for a seamless experience. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not necessarily relevant to your cruise ships itinerary. Enjoy, both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

When your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton, make the most of a day on land with a full-day tour combining a half-day Christchurch city tour with a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Take in the city’s historical landmarks and rebuilding efforts since devastating earthquakes. Then head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour that includes viewing of endangered kiwi birds and other New Zealand wildlife—ideal for families.

Make the most of a short time in Christchurch on a full-day shore excursion after your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton. Head into the city and learn about its rebuild post-earthquake. Travel into the Port Hills to get a view over the Canterbury Plains, then speed up the weaving waterways of the braided Waimakariri River on a jet boat. This tour is designed especially to work with cruise ship timings.

Our Christchurch city tour is designed to give visitors more than just sightseeing—we offer a personal, immersive experience that truly connects you with the heart and culture of the city. Unlike standard tours, we focus on authentic local insights, flexible pacing, and thoughtful storytelling that brings Christchurch’s history, regeneration, and natural beauty to life. Guests enjoy carefully chosen viewpoints, hidden gems, and meaningful stops that many tours overlook. With small groups, friendly commentary, and plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration, our tour feels less like a bus ride and more like discovering the city with a knowledgeable local friend.

Explore the stunning sights of Christchurch in a convenient 4-hour private tour. Discover picturesque locations such as the Cashmere Hills Lookout, Sumner Beach, the Sign of the Kiwi, and the serene Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A knowledgeable local guide shares captivating stories about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking to experience the essence of Christchurch in a short time. - Visit iconic scenic spots like Cashmere Hills Lookout and Sumner Beach - Enjoy engaging insights from a local guide about the city’s transformation - Comfortable transport with hotel pickup and drop-off included - Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and those with limited time

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without missing a thing. Plus, get a chance to meet the iconic Kiwi bird, a rare sight in New Zealand. Explore Christchurch in depth with a private, small-group tour and an expert guide. Choose a half-day tour for the flexibility to enjoy additional activities.

The area surrounding Christchurch has so much to see that it can be tough to know how best to take it all in on your own. Instead, on this full-day guided tour, explore a curated selection of activities and attractions, including wandering through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an ocean-view picnic at Louise’s Lookout, and even a visit to a working sheep farm.

Make the most of a short time on land on a shore excursion deep into the Southern Alps. You’ll be picked up from the port in Lyttelton and driven to Arthur’s Pass Village, a handy base for exploring the mountains of the central South Island. Enjoy lunch available for purchase with a view and time to explore the village and surrounding alpine scenery.

Uncover the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, on this full-day guided tour from Christchurch. Delight in the sights of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki as you travel into Mt. Cook National Park. Experience scenic walking tracks that offer stunning views of the Tasman Glacier, the country's longest glacier. This hassle-free journey is perfect for those looking to soak in New Zealand’s natural wonders without the stress of driving. - Full-day guided tour from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt. Cook - Discover the picturesque Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki - Enjoy scenic walks with views of the Tasman Glacier - Relax in a comfortable tour setting without driving stress

Step into the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch and join us for a lively walking adventure through the city we proudly call home. Along the way you’ll discover iconic landmarks, fascinating insights, and the stories that have helped shape this vibrant and special place. Our city trail weaves through more than 40 sites, blending history, culture, and local flavour to reveal the character and spirit of Christchurch. Since the earthquakes of 2010–2011, our city has undergone a remarkable transformation. As we walk, you’ll experience innovative new spaces alongside treasured historic landmarks, each one reflecting the resilience, creativity, and hospitality that continues to shape the city today. - Explore Christchurch's iconic landmarks and hidden gems - Gain insights from knowledgeable local guides - Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience

Discover Christchurch in a Day – A Private Coastal & City Escape Experience the best of Christchurch in one unforgettable day. Begin your journey with a warm welcome at Lyttelton Port and a taste of She Universe artisan chocolate. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Beach Café in Sumner, overlooking the sparkling sea. Explore the boutique charm of The Tannery, then immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant heart – from the bustling Riverside Market to lush Botanical Gardens. Those seeking more can ride the historic tram or try the serene punting on the Avon River. Savor a delicious lunch of your choice, then take in breathtaking 360° views from the Christchurch Gondola before returning to port. Perfect for travelers who want a rich mix of coastal beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments – all in one day.

Make the most of a travel day and let someone else do the driving so you can admire the views. This small-group, fully guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Aoraki Mt. Cook. Instead of just sitting in a bus all day, get out and explore Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, and other points of interest along the way.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Our tour is designed to offer you the best of Christchurch, New Zealand’s natural beauty, from scenic landscapes to City tour, Gandolla, Airforce Museum, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre. Local Knowledge: Our experienced guides are locals who are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of Christchurch, New Zealand’s culture, history, and hidden gems. We invite you to consider Kiwi Adventures Tour & Travel as an integral part of your next adventure. Our private tour offers something for everyone.

Feel the wind in your face as you race your friends and family around our cusom-built track in a blokart. Fun, safe, accessible, sustainable, and much easier than riding a bike, our team of experienced instructors will have you successfully piloting your kart in a matter of minutes. Blokarting can be as thrilling as you want it to be with a range of gear designed to suit every need from the most timid to the most adventurous. Perfect for riders from 7 to 87+. Located just 15 minutes from either the port of Lyttelton or the CBD our site has a lovely backdrop of farmland and the Port Hills. We are proud of the accessibility of the karts, and can work with people with physical or other restrictions to help them successfully operate a kart. Blokart landsailing was invented in New Zealand and Velocity Karts is the only custom-built track in Australasia.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked at Lyttelton, depart the port and head out to see a working sheep farm and the charming Christchurch City. Watch sheep dogs muster the sheep, learn about wool production and try some home baking. Then take in the highlights of Christchurch’s city center, seeing the rebuild underway since the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

The 'Christchurch Highlights Tour' by Green Kiwi Tours is a history & scenic tour, perfect for getting a comprehensive overview of Christchurch city and the surrounding area. By joining us in our comfortable 10 seater van, we can offer a more personalised experience. Tour highlights & inclusions: -Pick up and drop off -Scenic drive around Lyttelton Harbour -Summit Road lookout with stunning views -Guided tour of Christchurch City -Visit the unique Cardboard Cathedral -Christchurch Botanic Gardens -Lunch at Riverside Market -Visit the bizzare earthquake damaged 'Redzone' Yes, we provide pick and drop off to your hotel or cruise ship! Join your local and knowledgable guide and feel good supporting a small local family owned business.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only cruise ship passengers: Option 1: Half-Day Christchurch & Half-Day Akaroa Explorer Option 2: Arthur’s Pass with Castle Hill – Full-Day Return Tour Option 3: Kaikoura Whale Watching – Full-Day Return Tour When making a booking, guests are required to specify which tour option they are selecting. Please note: Due to time constraints related to cruise ship arrival and departure schedules, guests may book only one tour option per day. These are single-day excursions and cannot be combined.

Experience an unforgettable day immersed in the great outdoors on a guided Crater Rim Walk along the Godley Head Loop Track. Explore Lyttelton Harbour, nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, and admire one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastlines. Widely regarded as one of Christchurch’s top hikes, this undulating trail features awe-inspiring coastal views, fascinating WWII landmarks, an Antarctic cabin, a penguin colony, and charming beaches. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birds.

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, Mountaineering History, Icebergs and Ice Caves, Panoramic Helicopter Flights, Photographer’s Paradise, beautiful lakes (Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki) and Lavender farm. We invite you to consider Kiwi Adventures Tour & Travel as an integral part of your next adventure. Our private tour offers something for everyone.