Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch while your ship is at port in Lyttelton. This tour highlights both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild which is currently in progress, paired with the surviving beauty of the city and historical landmarks.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
What To Expect
Lyttelton Harbour
The default start time is 8.30am or up to 1 hour after your ship commences disembarkation, depending on what time your ship docks.
Best spot to admire some spectacular views over the City, Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.
Options
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Port pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
226 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lyttleton, Christchurch highlights
Rudolf W,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a extremely informative and comfortable tour of Lyttelton and Christchurch with Joseph. Joseph stopped at many highlights that included a mount top view of Sumner Beach, Cracoft Reserve, Central Ward, City Mall and Monument, Mona Vale Park and more. Joseph's pride of country is inspiring. Definitely a wonderful tour not to be missed.
Great Tour
Escape37083052830,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day and tour. Tour guide Scotty was awesome and very informative.Well done guys
An extremely interesting...
Susan J,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An extremely interesting day. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and showed us how much Christchurch has changed since the 2 earthquakes in 2010/11. It was very sad to see the Cathedral still under repair as we had seen it pre-earthquake in 2007. It's a lovely city to visit and to see how much has been rebuilt so far. Hope the good work continues 🙏
Great overview of Christchurch and the area
Alan K,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide, Kevin, provided great overview of the history of Christchurch and the history of the earthquake and rebuilding. Nice balance of seeing city sites, view points, and beaches. Really enjoyed having some free time to walk around downtown.
Christchurch Memorial Day
Alister C,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were kept informed leading up to the trip of what was happening. The instructions for to pick up the bus and guide were extensive and easy to follow, and everything for the pickup went smoothly. Jeffrey is a great guide and as a native Christchurcher explain fully the devastation caused by the earthquake in 2011. Show us all the new buildings replaced ones demolished by the earthquakes alsosome area are contaminated and won’t be built on. Had about 1 3/4 hr free time to explore the centre. A memorable day which we lovedi Plenty of photo opportunities.
Great tour of Christchurch
Denise G,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful tour of Christchurch including lots of history and commentary on the city’s redevelopment following the 2011 earthquake. We particularly enjoyed Scotty’s stories and in depth knowledge about Christchurch. Highly recommend.
Great tour, communication...
Ilan M,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, communication and organization. Beautiful area with a lot of wildlife. Definitely recommended
Christchurch city tour was fabulous
Wanda R,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great sightseeing trip to Christchurch, Graham had lots of information about the 2011 earthquake. So devastating
Local's insightful guide to Christchurch
Sharelle D,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A good, quick way to see the highlights of Christchurch including beautiful Mona Vale. Our guide who was a local and retired engineer gave an insightful, comprehensive tour of Christchurch, the earthquakes and the aftermath. Good info on the best coffee and scones in the market. No worries about pickup and drop off to the cruise ship. Highly recommend. Support the local businesses and its people and book this tour.
Christchurch Whirlwind
Rebecca B,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful picturesque drive to Christchurch. Our driver/guide Scotty provided a lot of history of the area along the way. He showed us where most of the highlights were in Christchurch and turned us loose to discover them ourselves. Time was at a premium with only a half hour in the gardens and an hour in the city. More time for both would have been great, even if only a half hour. Overall a good tour, however depending on public shuttle buses as the only means to get to the meeting sight was problematic.
Related Experiences
Operated by Leisure Tours