Top 13 Christchurch Shore Excursions

1.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

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

This 3.5-hour morning shore excursion links Lyttelton Port with Christchurch’s key sights. You’ll visit Mona Vale Gardens, cross the hills for views from the Sign of the Takahe, hear about the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, and get central-city free time. Guides such as Scotty, Joseph, and Larry lead the tour.

“Check the *Exact* meeting point. We went to Fisherman’s Wharf as instructed, but the coaches were parked further down the road. We came very close to missing the trip. Other than that it was an excellent trip with a very knowledgeable local driver.”

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2.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

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

This 6.5-hour cruise excursion pairs Christchurch sightseeing with the International Antarctic Centre. Expect a narrated coach ride, Mona Vale Gardens, city views from the Sign of the Takahe, lunch time at Riverside Market, a simulated Antarctic storm, blue penguins, and a Hagglund vehicle ride.

“A good day guide very helpful x I enjoyed Recommend .Antarctic Centre well worth a visit x Christchurch itself”

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3.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

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

Join Leisure Tours from Lyttelton for a 6.5-hour Christchurch outing with live commentary, scenic viewpoints, Mona Vale Gardens, Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Guides such as Joseph, Scotty, and Cally bring strong local insight, while the reserve adds a chance to see kiwi and native birds.

“This tour is an easy and relaxing trip. The pace was just right- not rushing from place to place. Our Guide/Driver, Joseph, was very organized and calm even though two passengers on our tour got lost wondering through Mona Vale Garden PaRead more”

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4.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

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

From Lyttelton, you’ll tour Christchurch with a local guide such as Joseph, Diana, or Scotty, stop at Mona Vale and Cathedral Square, then ride a jet boat through the shallow Waimakariri River. The 6.5-hour outing includes port transfers and is timed around cruise departures.

“This tour offered a wonderful insight into the highlights of Christchurch, with a little fun thrown in. Our guide, Joseph was an approachable, knowledgeable and thoughtful guide who put us first at all times - we were incredibly impressed by him and had a fantastic day gaining some unique local insights”

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5.Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch

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

From Lyttelton, ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to Waipara Valley for tastings at three wineries, a platter lunch at Waipara Springs, and local commentary. Guides such as Andrew, Tania, Joseph, and Caroline are known for friendly hosting, scenic routes, and getting cruise passengers back on time.

“Tania our tour guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable about the area and kept us entertained the whole day. Took us to some beautiful boutique winieries. Great day with a lovely group of people”

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

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

From Lyttelton, you’ll see Christchurch highlights with guides such as Andrew, Rob, Carmen, Tania, or Di, then head north for lunch and tastings at Waipara Springs, Torlesse Wines, and Georges Road Wines. The 7.5-hour tour suits cruise passengers who want scenery, local stories, and wine in one day.

“Our Tour guide Tania was the best! And thanks to Lizzie for keeping us updated and for her patience and positivity!”

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

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

Travel from Lyttelton into the Southern Alps, stopping at Toby Hill Farm for sheepdogs, shearing, and afternoon tea. Continue through Arthur’s Pass National Park to Otira Viaduct Lookout, then explore Arthur’s Pass Village. Guide Jude has earned special praise for her driving, local insight, and careful ship timing.

“Long bus ride out & back but well worth it for the views. Gorgeous! Definitely recommend including lunch since there are only two cafes in town. Our lunch was served as we arrived.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $496Top rated

Spend 6 to 7 hours with a private local guide from Lyttelton to Akaroa. You’ll see volcano-shaped terrain, stop for morning tea in native bush, visit the Giant’s House, and have time for lunch, shops, and local art. Guides include Jared, Gemma, and Ollie.

“Super fun and interesting tour! Beautiful scenery, lovely drive to Akaroa. Jared, our tour guide, was great! Laid back, informative and enthusiastic! Delicious lunch in Akaroa. The Giant’s House is amazing.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $309

Travel from Lyttelton through Canterbury farming country to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, with stops in Darfield, Springfield, and Lake Lyndon. A local guide such as Gemma or Nathanael leads the boulder walk, while lunch, transport, and a group capped at eight keep the day personal.

“Our guide Gemma was knowledgeable about the geography and Māori culture. She was considerate of our interests and our capabilities. Castle Hill is both interesting geologically and culturally. Also fun to see people bouldering. The panoRead more”

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

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $167

Spend about eight hours touring Banks Peninsula by air-conditioned vehicle, with port pickup, views of Lyttelton and Akaroa harbors, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, a local cheese stop, and a two-hour Akaroa nature cruise where Hector’s Dolphins may appear. Lunch is available with the selected option.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $340

Join a small group of up to eight from Lyttelton to Akaroa, with local guides such as Gemma, Michelle, or Jared. See volcanic scenery, native bush, Gebbies Pass, and Little River, then enjoy morning tea, café lunch, free time, and entry to the Giant’s House.

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

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12.Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews

Meet at Lyttelton Bakery for a private Christchurch tour in a Canterbury-built V8 Chevrolet trike. Ride over Evans Pass, choose the Gondola, explore the city at your own pace, then return via the Port Hills and Sign of the Kiwi.

“Very nice experience. We saw breathtaking scenery. The driver was careful and very kind. He knows his subject.Auto-translated”

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13.Private Castle Hill & Inland Canterbury Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $496

Take a private, seven-hour trip from Lyttelton to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti with a local guide, lunch, snacks, and transport. Stop at Darfield, Springfield’s giant doughnut, Lake Lyndon, and the limestone boulders. Guides such as Anna and Lachie add a personal touch.

“Perfect day spent with Anna! Easy pick up at the port of Lyttleton and headed out of town to Darfield Bakery. Best meat pies ever! And nice selection of GF baked goods.”

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