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 tour is a day that 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.

NB:

Explore Canterbury is also available for Private Hire

THE BEST OF CHRISTCHURCH

Specially designed to enable you to experience the highlights of both Christchurch, her port of Lyttelton and the beautiful scenery that separates them.

Depart Dockside 9.00am

We begin our day by exploring quaint and quirky Port Lyttelton and some of the surrounding harbour. We 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. In Christchurch, our Garden City, we visit the main sights - Mona Vale, Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens - just to mention a few.

There is time for lunch and in the afternoon the tour allows for you to have some free time - you might like to shop, you can visit another attraction, or simply wander. Arrangements are made to collect you again for your return back to Lyttelton and your ship.

Return Dockside 4.00 - 4.30pm

Cost per person NZ$85

Lunch not included but can be arranged

Private Hire:

With your own group we can add or subtract to our "Best of Christchurch" tour according to your unique or collective interests. Please contact us with your request.

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. Some of you may even like to swim with the dolphins - again we can make your booking for you but please book well in advance as this proves very popular in the summer.

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

Tour cost per person NZ$115

Additional NZ$65 per person for the harbour cruise

Additional NZ$130 adult : $110 child (8–15) - note minimum age of 8 years - for swimming with dolphins

Lunch not included but can be arranged

Cruise and swimming prices valid only until 30 September 2010