What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• A mixed review.

  Lynette W,,Jan 29, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  3.00

  Great excursion until the guide turned what was advertised as a 61/2 half hour excursion into 8 1/2 hours. WAY too long and constant repetitious commentary about the earthquake and the resulting devastation. The Antarctic Center was fantastic and after 7 hours we were all tired and just wanted to return to our ship. However, Joseph continued to add more stops ( again- not part of the itinerary) which added an additional couple of hours. It was obvious the love he had for his city. I just wish he had stayed with the original itinerary and within the advertised length of the tour.

• Antarctic Center Plus Highlights

  Gretchen R,,Jan 28, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Nice stops and good commentary. Antarctic Center was highlight; interactive experience. We had 2 drivers which was positive.

• Well worth it if you are on a cruise ship in town for the day

  Chris H,,Jan 27, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It was a fantastic tour and cost us much less for much more as opposed to the cruise ship tours, and they had us back in time too

• A great day in Christchurch.

  Kyle B,,Jan 26, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It was our best tour in NZ so far. The buses were comfortable, and both drivers/guides were excited and knowledgeable about their city. We toured most of Christchurch with the first driver, Scotty, and were dropped downtown for lunch on our own. Afterwards, another driver, Joseph, took us to the Antarctic Center. The Center was nice, but if you are the kind who likes to read every sign, you just don’t have enough time. But I still recommend this experience. Overall, a great trip and day spent!

• Refunded excursion

  bfavs,,Jan 23, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Our ship did not make it to shore due to weather and our excursion was refunded automatically, I didn’t have to reach out to the operator. Definitely recommend!! It is unusual to receive that sort of thoughtful service.

• Joseph did a great job....

  Darryl C,,Jan 10, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Joseph did a great job. The Antarctica center was very good. Great views of the city from the top of the hill.

• Excellent tour and...

  Jeffrey A,,Jan 3, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Excellent tour and fantastic guide. Personable, knowledgeable and funny. Made the tour a great experience.

• Fantastic tour - Joseph...

  Marita T,,Dec 30, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Fantastic tour - Joseph was very knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting and fun. The Antartic Centre is a must visit and Karen our guide was fantastic.

• GREAT SHORE EXCURSION OF CHRISTCHURCH

  464sueh,,Dec 29, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I booked this shore excursion tour for the 23 December 2025. The details for meeting the tour were very clear and went without a hitch. Although I have been to Christchurch several times I liked the itinerary that was offered. From our start we travelled over a coastal area with magnificent views. We had a couple of stops at tourist spots and a drive around the earthquake affected areas before having a lunch break in Christchurch. After lunch we visited the Antarctic Centre, what a great experience they offer. Our trip back to the ship took us on a different route. More magnificent scenery over another set of hills. We had a great group of people who always were on time and that makes for a good tour. Our driver / guide "Scotty" was exceptional, his knowledge of the area was outstanding, You won't be disappointed on this tour.

• A Fascinating and Fun Day Exploring Christchurch

  Vanessa C,,Dec 14, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had a fantastic day exploring Christchurch with Scotty as our guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable about both the Lyttelton and Christchurch areas and clearly passionate about sharing the region’s history and stories. His commentary added so much depth to the experience, especially as we saw firsthand the lasting impact of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Sites like the Christchurch Cathedral and the vast stretches of empty land in the Red Zone were powerful reminders of the city’s resilience and ongoing recovery. One of the highlights of the day was our peaceful walk through Mona Vale Garden Park. It was a beautiful, serene spot to stretch our legs and enjoy the gardens and the Avon River. We finished at the Rose Garden, where we spent time smelling and photographing the stunning blooms. We then headed to Riverside Market, where we were given plenty of time to explore on our own. It’s a vibrant, bustling place full of great food and local flavour. We enjoyed wandering through the stalls before settling down with a delicious pie and coffee for lunch. Our final stop was a two‑hour visit to the International Antarctic Centre, which was an absolute standout. The Hagglund ride was thrilling — very bumpy and at times quite jolting — but such a fun way to get a feel for the rugged terrain faced in Antarctic conditions. It’s not for everyone, but with seat belts and grab straps, we felt secure and loved every minute. Inside the centre, we enjoyed meeting the rescue penguins, patting the gentle huskies, experiencing the polar storm room, and watching the immersive 4D cinema. Overall, it was a well‑paced, engaging, and memorable day. Scotty’s enthusiasm and expertise made the experience even more special. Highly recommended.

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