The 13 Best Shore Excursions in Christchurch

1.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

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

Christchurch shore excursion from Lyttelton: Monavale Gardens, Cathedral Square, Summit Road views, and earthquake rebuild context in 3.5 hours.

“I signed up for a 3 hour tour to see Christchurch. I got that, but was also left in Christchurch for 3 hours additionally on my own. Fortunately the weather was nice and I had no other plans. But this makes me worry about other viator tours I have scheduled. Can I believe what I signed up for, or will I get stranded on my own again.”

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2.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

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

A cruise-friendly Christchurch shore day from Lyttelton, mixing earthquake lessons, gardens and markets, and real Antarctic fun at the Antarctic Centre.

“The tour started 1 hour late so we had to skip the first part. When we arrived at the Anarctic Center, there was a power outage so we could not go in. Scotty our tour operator assured us that the cost for the Antarctic Center would be returned to our Visa by the time the cruise was finished on March 13th. Today is the 29th and so far, no refund. The city visit on the tour was great and we were disappointed that we couldn't see the Antarctic Center, but understood it was not Viator's fault. But we don't understand why they haven't refunded the cost of the Center??”

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3.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

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

Christchurch city highlights and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, with live guide commentary, included entry, and coach comfort for $102.39.

“Joseph was a font of local knowledge. He lives in the area and was able to give us first hand information about the 2012 earthquake devastation. He loves his town and took us to lots of extra special places that most bus tours would not be able to navigate. Arrival and return we're on time as scheduled.”

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4.Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and Picnic

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

Small-group Lyttelton hike to Godley Head with coffee, wildlife spotting, and a Boulder Bay picnic, with port pickup and poles.

“First class trek around crater rim, beautiful scenery and views, tour guides Nicole and Harriet were exceptional. Had tons of fun and picnic lunch was so tasty and fresh as well as our coffee stop on the beach beforehand, really nice touch.”

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5.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

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

Jet boat the Waimakariri River and get a Christchurch rebuild tour from Lyttelton, with Port Hills views and ship-timed pickup.

“Joseph was awesome, with lots of local knowledge, and a good sense of humour. He will go above and beyond to make your day a great one. Andy the jet boat driver made sure we had a great experience too……. Do it!!!!”

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6.Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch

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

Lyttelton cruise shore excursion to Waipara Valley: tastings at 3 wineries, lunch at Waipara Springs, and easy on-time return.

“Great scenery during the bus tour to the wineries. Friendly and informative driver with a customer-centric focus. The wineries were educational, as well.”

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

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

Christchurch highlights and Waipara wine tastings on a 7.5-hour shore excursion from Lyttelton, with lunch and 3 wineries.

“Had the absolute best day with Di... She was a lifetime local and had so many great stories and was so engaging and personable. The morning tour of the city with just two other people was beautiful and Christchurch is at the top of our lisRead more”

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

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

Arthur's Pass day tour from Lyttelton: sheep farm shearing and tea, Arthur's Pass National Park, Otira Viaduct views, round-trip transfers.

“Our guide, Jude, was great. She went out of her way to make sure that we saw all the sights we could and still make it back to our ship in time. Jude was an excellent driver and did a great job explaining what we were seeing and what we wRead more”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $496

Private shore excursion from Lyttelton to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula with Giant’s House mosaics, morning tea, and local guides.

“Our guide Gemma was wonderful. She gave us a great tour of the area and provided snacks and lunch. Scenery was beautiful even though the weather didn't fully cooperate.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $309

Lyttelton to inland Canterbury for Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti boulders, scenic alpine roads, small-town stops, and a picnic lunch with a local guide.

“Had an incredible time, our guide Nathanael was very accommodating and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $167

Twin harbor day from Lyttelton to Akaroa, including an Akaroa harbor nature cruise with possible Hector’s Dolphins and a cheese factory stop.

“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.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Highlights & Punting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 6 hours · from $178

6-hour Christchurch highlights with Sumner seaside stops, Riverside Market time, and traditional Avon River punting in a small group.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $340

Small-group Akaroa and Giant's House tour from Lyttelton with scenic pass views, native bush walk, morning tea, cafe lunch, entry included.

“Was a great day seeing all the sites all the way to Akora, lunch stop was super quaint and the 2 girls leading the tour were informative and engaging. The roads are very narrow and windey but our guide did an amazing job navigating them”

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