DAY TOUR: Christchurch City Sightseeing plus Lyttelton and Lyttelton Harbour !

When we have guests come to stay who have never visited Christchurch before, this is what we do.  We take them on this scenic day tour which takes in the important sights of Christchurch then on to Lyttelton harbour, a world away from Christchurch yet only 20 minutes over the hill. 

At the end of this day out they have a real feel for Christchurch, the Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour attractions.  We would like to do the same for you.

Although this day trip departs from Christchurch we do not leave this beautiful "Garden city" until we have shown you the main sights - Mona Vale, Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens - just to mention a few. 

We then leave the city itself and take the scenic route from the city over the Port Hills - all that separate Lyttelton Harbour from the city of Christchurch.  At the top of these hills there are breathtaking views right down into Lyttelton harbour in one direction and in the other breathtaking views over Christchurch and across the Canterbury Plains to the distant snow covered Alps.

A beautiful drive around the bays takes us to Lyttelton and we take the time to leisurely explore this quaint historic township and working port.

In 1850 four ships carrying the first immigrants to Canterbury arrived at Lyttelton. It was base to several Antarctic expeditions and the center of a very busy coastal trade. Today it is a colourful, quirky, cheerful town and working port which remains quite separate from Christchurch both geographically and in lifestyle. We take the time to leisurely explore this historic township - you can find a good lunch here. 

We round off our day with a Black Cat cruise of the harbour itself with the opportunity to see the rare Hector’s dolphins found here. This is a 2 hour cruise and will nicely finish your day but alternatively (see below) you may choose to take an historic tour of Lyttelton or to go walking round the bays.

Collected from your accommodation   8.30 - 9.00am
Returned to your accommodation        4.15 - 4.30pm

Only have half a day left before going home or simply moving on?
Simply omit the afternoon harbour cruise and we will get you back in time !
Returned to your accommodation            12.30 – 1.00pm

Alternative afternoon options for you are:

• A two hour ramble along the cliffs between Godley Head and Taylors Mistake. Your picnic lunch will be provided. All you need is water, a rucksack and sturdy walking shoes. You will be wonderfully weary at the end of the day when we collect you and deliver you home to your Christchurch accommodation.

• An historic tour of Lyttelton. So much of the history of Lyttelton is visible still. You can still see many homes of the first settlers – even those of the Cornish miners who worked on the rail tunnel in the 1880’s. This walk will lead you through 150 years of fascinating local history.

For our Cruise Ship Visitors

We understand that you have only today to spend with us and so have designed a special sightseeing day to show you the best of Lyttelton and Christchurch.....

Maximum 8 people.

........and so we call it

"THE BEST OF CHRISTCHURCH"

Depart Lyttelton Visitor Centre 9.15am 

We are also able to collect you dockside if you book in advance.

Return Lyttelton Visitor Centre 3.30pm