Sightseeing Christchurch | Akaroa | Art Tours | Charter Tours l Cruise Ships

For our CRUISE SHIP Guests

Welcome to Lyttelton, the port of Christchurch, New Zealand

Explore Canterbury understands that you only have a day in port and want to see and enjoy as much as you can in that day. With this in mind we have specifically designed two options for you to choose from.

One is very local and allows us to guide you through The Best of Christchurch.  You will have a real feel for the garden city of Christchurch and her surrounds after this.  

The other takes you through wonderful scenery to the other sea filled crater which is Akaroa Harbour, first settled by the French.  We call this The Best of Akaroa.

Please note:

Explore Canterbury is also available for Private Hire for your own group and also for your own choice of destination.  For example, our Special Art Tours will make your experience unique! Of course times can be modified to suit you.

THE BEST OF CHRISTCHURCH

Specially designed to enable you to experience the highlights of both Christchurch and her port of Lyttelton.

Depart Dockside 9.00am

Explore quaint and quirky Port Lyttelton and surrounding harbour, then take the truly scenic route to Christchurch over the Port Hills with views out over the city, the Canterbury Plains and, if the weather is clear, views of the Southern Alps.  We will show you the main sights of Christchurch, our Garden City - Mona Vale, Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens - just to mention a few. 

It is your day so time in the afternoon is set aside just for you - to have lunch and to further explore the parts of our town that interest you.  When you have done all you want to do we will collect you in the city and return you back to Lyttelton and your ship.

Return Dockside 3.30pm

Cost per person NZ$80

NB Prices valid until 30 September 2010

THE BEST OF AKAROA                                               

We have specifically designed a sightseeing tour to Akaroa for guests with only a day to visit us.

Depart Dockside 8.30am

We leave Lyttelton and wind our way around the harbour to connect with the road to Akaroa.  On the way we pass through farmlands, visit arty Little River, stop at Hilltop for the breathtaking view down into Akaroa Harbour, then drive around the bays to Akaroa town. 

Akaroa was first established by the French in 1840 and today it is a colourful seaside town.

In Akaroa you can take the morning harbour cruise - we will make your booking for you - with the chance to see rare Hector's dolphins, then time for lunch and to explore a little before our return.

On your way "home" you can sample local cheeses at Barry's Bay and, to finish your day well, we will take the scenic route along the Summit Road of Lyttelton Harbour giving you glimpses of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and our Southern Alps. 

Return Dockside 4.45pm

Cost per person NZ$115

Additonal NZ$62 per person for the harbour cruise