Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

4.56

4.6(90 reviews)

6 hours 30 minutes

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 12 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Combine a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild currently taking place, but also the remaining historic landmarks and the existing beauty of this picturesque city together with admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve with a fully guided tour of the reserve including Kiwi viewing.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: 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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Leisure Tours

Travelling with Leisure Tours

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Pickup included

What‘s Included

Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Driver/guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Live commentary on board

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.56

90 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Didn’t see the wallabies
Mintze G,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
The Willowbank part was misleading. It was advertised visiting farm too. And that didn’t happen. I didn’t see the wallabies. Didn’t see kiwi either.
Christchurch tour with Joseph. What a great day.
Christine B,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our driver Joseph was a born and bred local with a wealth of knowledge to share about Christchurch and the surrounding areas. In particular Joseph told us in depth about the devastating earthquake 15 years ago which destroyed his house as well as so much of Christchurch. He was very friendly and made our day with him pleasant and memorable. Highly recommended tour and driver.
Viator tour of Lyttelton and Christchurch
Thomas K,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you have a choice, Joseph was an excellent guide. We stopped at an old wagon stop out of Lyttelton and if you enjoy old buildings this one will delight you. The stop at Mona Vale park was fun and we liked the walk along the river. Following this, Joseph stoped at a downtown collection of restaurants, called the Riverside Market. There were many choices in this food court area. The Barbecue was quite good. We stopped at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and took the 45 minute guided tour which was included on the tour. If you haven't seen a kiwi bitd you will see one here. Our guide was a Wildlife Environmental Biologist and knowledgeable. The time here was well spent. Joseph took us back through the highway tunnel and got us back on time at the cruise ship. It was somewhat confusing as to where to meet the tour. You take the free shuttle from the cruise ship dock and get off at the first stop. You will be met by the tour representative who will assist you to the correct bus. Don't get on the bus to Christchurch, that is the wrong shuttle to meet the correct bus.
Experience the beauty & history of Christchurch
Maureen L,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful experience. Joseph was an outstanding guide with a wide range of knowledge and a great sense of humor. He knows his city! We enjoyed the variety of the visits and the chance to see what Christchurch has to offer. 5 star rating for Joseph
Willowbank, a beautiful wildlife reserve
Genevieve L,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Joseph was a wonderful guide and driver for us, providing many insights into the effects of the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, and how the city rebuilt itself. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a superb place to meet and learn about many animals and birds, including a viewing of the kiwi. We could have done with more time there. The bus was quite cold, especially as the temperature outside was also quite cold.
Our Christ Church experience
Dale A,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent pickup. Easy Tour guides knowledgeable and helpful
Driver, Joseph, was...
Bonnie A,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Driver, Joseph, was exceptional! Provided so much information. Loved the stop at the animal sanctuary.
Tour of Christchurch
Lynda B,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highlight tour of Christchurch on a beautiful day plus admission for self guided visit to Willow Park animal preserve. We got to see a kiwi in the nighttime created environment for the kiwi. Wandered through to see all the bird & animal residents. Our guide, Joseph was quite knowledgeable (first hand) of the devastating earthquakes in the area. As an engineer, he was able to answer some technical questions. He had an easy going manner and was a talented juggler! He got us back to the shuttle with time to spare despite some traffic challenges.
We started 30 minutes...
Robin M,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00
We started 30 minutes late because two passengers didn’t arrive on time. The guide said he needed to rush through our city tour because we needed to be at a certain location by 11:00 so certain members of the group could break off and make their next excursion. On the return we had another guide who should have returned us by 3:00 or 3:30 (at the latest) and didn’t return us till 4:20. He independently added his own small city tour though we were all on a tight schedule to return to our ship. While it was generous of him it caused unnecessary stress that we would get back to the ships shuttle on time. This is the only time I have experienced this type of incident with Viator.
A really educational exploration of Christchurch
Kevin B,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Joseph was an engaging and enthusiastic guide who made our day very enjoyable. Being a local for many years, Joseph provided lots of insights into Christchurch both pre and post the earthquake. He was really able to make clear the dramatic influence of the quake on Christchurch and its surrounds. We were able to explore some of Christchurch on our own after Joseph pointed out key landmarks. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve was interesting as well. With the wildlife guide, we got to see some NZ birds and learn about these. There were also plenty of other animals. We would thoroughly recommend this, especially for people with young kids.

From

NZ$170.00

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From

NZ$170.00

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Related Experiences

Operated by Leisure Tours

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

4.56

4.6(90 reviews)

6 hours 30 minutes

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 12 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: 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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Leisure Tours

Travelling with Leisure Tours

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Pickup included

What‘s Included

Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Driver/guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Live commentary on board

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.56

90 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Didn’t see the wallabies
Mintze G,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
The Willowbank part was misleading. It was advertised visiting farm too. And that didn’t happen. I didn’t see the wallabies. Didn’t see kiwi either.
Christchurch tour with Joseph. What a great day.
Christine B,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our driver Joseph was a born and bred local with a wealth of knowledge to share about Christchurch and the surrounding areas. In particular Joseph told us in depth about the devastating earthquake 15 years ago which destroyed his house as well as so much of Christchurch. He was very friendly and made our day with him pleasant and memorable. Highly recommended tour and driver.
Viator tour of Lyttelton and Christchurch
Thomas K,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you have a choice, Joseph was an excellent guide. We stopped at an old wagon stop out of Lyttelton and if you enjoy old buildings this one will delight you. The stop at Mona Vale park was fun and we liked the walk along the river. Following this, Joseph stoped at a downtown collection of restaurants, called the Riverside Market. There were many choices in this food court area. The Barbecue was quite good. We stopped at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and took the 45 minute guided tour which was included on the tour. If you haven't seen a kiwi bitd you will see one here. Our guide was a Wildlife Environmental Biologist and knowledgeable. The time here was well spent. Joseph took us back through the highway tunnel and got us back on time at the cruise ship. It was somewhat confusing as to where to meet the tour. You take the free shuttle from the cruise ship dock and get off at the first stop. You will be met by the tour representative who will assist you to the correct bus. Don't get on the bus to Christchurch, that is the wrong shuttle to meet the correct bus.
Experience the beauty & history of Christchurch
Maureen L,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful experience. Joseph was an outstanding guide with a wide range of knowledge and a great sense of humor. He knows his city! We enjoyed the variety of the visits and the chance to see what Christchurch has to offer. 5 star rating for Joseph
Willowbank, a beautiful wildlife reserve
Genevieve L,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Joseph was a wonderful guide and driver for us, providing many insights into the effects of the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, and how the city rebuilt itself. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a superb place to meet and learn about many animals and birds, including a viewing of the kiwi. We could have done with more time there. The bus was quite cold, especially as the temperature outside was also quite cold.
Our Christ Church experience
Dale A,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent pickup. Easy Tour guides knowledgeable and helpful
Driver, Joseph, was...
Bonnie A,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Driver, Joseph, was exceptional! Provided so much information. Loved the stop at the animal sanctuary.
Tour of Christchurch
Lynda B,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highlight tour of Christchurch on a beautiful day plus admission for self guided visit to Willow Park animal preserve. We got to see a kiwi in the nighttime created environment for the kiwi. Wandered through to see all the bird & animal residents. Our guide, Joseph was quite knowledgeable (first hand) of the devastating earthquakes in the area. As an engineer, he was able to answer some technical questions. He had an easy going manner and was a talented juggler! He got us back to the shuttle with time to spare despite some traffic challenges.
We started 30 minutes...
Robin M,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00
We started 30 minutes late because two passengers didn’t arrive on time. The guide said he needed to rush through our city tour because we needed to be at a certain location by 11:00 so certain members of the group could break off and make their next excursion. On the return we had another guide who should have returned us by 3:00 or 3:30 (at the latest) and didn’t return us till 4:20. He independently added his own small city tour though we were all on a tight schedule to return to our ship. While it was generous of him it caused unnecessary stress that we would get back to the ships shuttle on time. This is the only time I have experienced this type of incident with Viator.
A really educational exploration of Christchurch
Kevin B,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Joseph was an engaging and enthusiastic guide who made our day very enjoyable. Being a local for many years, Joseph provided lots of insights into Christchurch both pre and post the earthquake. He was really able to make clear the dramatic influence of the quake on Christchurch and its surrounds. We were able to explore some of Christchurch on our own after Joseph pointed out key landmarks. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve was interesting as well. With the wildlife guide, we got to see some NZ birds and learn about these. There were also plenty of other animals. We would thoroughly recommend this, especially for people with young kids.