Sightseeing Christchurch | Akaroa Day | Cruise Ship Tours | Private Day Tours l Private South Island Tours

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 some options for you to choose from.

Our most popular tour is a day that takes you through wonderful scenery to an old sea filled crater which is Akaroa Harbour, first settled by the French.  We call this The Best of Akaroa.

Our other day tours are available as Private Hire and we would be delighted to hear from you whether you are one person or a small group.  Please see our Private Day Tour suggestions listed below.

THE BEST OF AKAROA                                               

Depart 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 4.45pm

Tour cost per person NZ$130

Additional NZ$68 per person for the harbour cruise

Additional NZ$139 adult : $115 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 2011

Private Hire:

If you wish to arrange this day with your own group then please contact us with your request.

PRIVATE DAY TOURS   

You may wish to spend your shore time in Christchurch travelling to one of our treasured local areas which you have read or heard about.   Do let us know what you have in mind and we will customise an itinerary to suit your unique or collective interests. 

Please Note: Our tours are for small groups only.  Whether it is for one person or any number up to 10, please contact us and we will advise availability and prices for you.

Some suggestions for your day......

• Our regular day tour to Akaroa – after all it a great day out.
• An excursion to Arthur's Pass in the heart of our mountains, the Southern Alps.
• Explore Waipara’s vineyards, taste some of the wines and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
• Spend the day relaxing in the hot thermal pools at Hanmer Springs – maybe even have a massage and beauty treatment.
• There are areas around Banks Peninsula that few people get to see - why not search out some of these local secrets and see Akaroa too?

Please contact us so we can begin planning your day ashore with you.