Top Christchurch Shore Excursions

First-time visitors to Christchurch will enjoy a fun half-day overview tour of the city with a small group of travelers. See many of the central city’s highlights, including riding the scenic tramways, punting on the River Avon, and riding the gondola for sweeping views. Learn more about Christchurch than you would touring independently.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

When your cruise ship docks in Christchurch, benefit from a full-day tour that combines a half-day city tour of Christchurch with a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Take in the city’s historical landmarks and rebuilding efforts underway since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Then head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour that includes viewing of endangered kiwi birds and other New Zealand wildlife.

Arthurs Pass located deep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. You will be traveling on the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing remarkable landscapes. This tour highlights an example of great engineering, spectacular waterfalls, and famous filming locations. The day will begin with a collection from your chosen accommodation before we hit the road towards Arthur’s pass, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will point out those stunning views along the way. While on this tour with us you will see a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest and ice-fed lakes and rivers! There are plenty of stops along the route, so we won’t be spending all day in the van although it is pretty comfy. Of course, we will also stop at those must-see Instagram worthy spots too! Before taking the world-famous TranzAlpine back towards the city.

Begin your amazing day with a pickup from one of our very friendly team members. Sit down and relax for the 45-min drive to the Waipara Region. Waipara is a picturesque valley in the north of Christchurch. This is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions where pinot noir and riesling grapes do very well here. We will visit a series of cellars and tasting rooms, which may include Waipara Hills, Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, and Torlesse Wines (wineries are subject to change without notice depending on availability). We are all about the experience, so we want to make sure that you have 100% worry-free tastings of NZ's finest wine. Lunch, tastings, and snacks and photographer are included so all you need to do is join us, seat and enjoy your day. We are super flexible and the day is all about you. Want to make a stop or do something extra just let us know With Cheeky Wine Tours you will alwyas See More, Do More & Spend Less

Arthur’s Pass – A National Park located deep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. You will be traveling on the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing remarkable landscapes. This tour highlights an example of great engineering, spectacular waterfalls, and famous filming locations. The day will begin with a collection from your chosen accommodation before we hit the road towards Arthur’s Pass, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will point out those stunning views along the way. While on this tour with us, you will see a variety of green fields rugged mountain ranges, lush forests and ice-fed lakes and rivers! There are plenty of stops along the route, so we won’t be spending all day in the van Although it is pretty comfy. You can hop on a Jetboat and grab an action thriller tour of where it all began or walk through the thick forest and check out a waterfall. Of course, we will also stop at those must-see Instagram-worthy spots too!

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Queenstown by taking an action-packed tour through the Southern Alps. Instead of just catching an uninteresting long-distance bus, take a guided tour via Mt. Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the scenic Mackenzie Country. Admire the views along the way and make plenty of stops. The tour ends in Queenstown.

Make the most of a short time on land on a shore excursion deep into the Southern Alps. You’ll be picked up from the port in Lyttelton and driven to Arthur’s Pass Village, a handy base for exploring the mountains of the central South Island. Visit a sheep farm and enjoy lunch with a view.

Fly over Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula on a 20-minute helicopter tour that takes in city sights. From an aerial view, you’ll appreciate the scale of Christchurch’s devastation and recovery following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Soar above the ruins of ChristChurch Cathedral and see the new sports stadium while the pilot comments on rebuilding efforts. See the suburbs of Sumner and Redcliffe, and view the port of Lyttelton.

If you’re looking for a memorable and adventurous experience when visiting Christchurch—this is the one for you. You’ll start your helicopter adventure at Christchurch Airport. You won’t have to worry about safety, as you’ll receive a full briefing at the start and the helicopter is equipped with dual controls. Enjoy a 30-minute flight with your instructor to guide you through take off, hover, flight, and landing. During the flight, your experience will be enhanced with live commentary.

A day in Lyttleton can be an exhilarating experience. Learn about the city’s rebuild post-earthquake, and travel into the Port Hills to get a view over the Canterbury Plains. Then, speed up the weaving waterways of the Waimakariri river on a jet boat. This tour is designed especially to work with cruise ship timings.

Make the most of a travel day and let someone else do the driving so you can admire the views. This transfer-come-tour will get you from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Mount Cook. Instead of just sitting in a bus all day, get out and explore Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and other points of interest along the way.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked at Lyttelton, depart the port and head out to see a working sheep farm and the charming Christchurch City. Watch sheep dogs muster the sheep, learn about wool production and try some home baking. Then take in the highlights of Christchurch’s city center, seeing the rebuild underway since the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked in Lyttelton, this tour takes you to some of the North Canterbury region’s best vineyards. Depart the port and head to Waipara Valley, famous for its dry climate and rick soils. Then visit 3 different wineries, sampling a variety of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more. A delicious lunch is also included at Waipara Springs Winery.

With transport from Christchurch, this kayaking tour makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of Lyttleton, even if you won’t have a car on your trip to the Garden City. Join a small group for a sea kayaking tour of Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island. Paddle around the sheltered waters, keeping an eye out for native birds and wildlife. Ask your guide all about the area's natural history, and enjoy the opportunity to explore the harbour further with or without your guide before being whisked back to Christchurch in time for your evening plans.

Make your way from Christchurch to Mt Cook without missing any of the highlights along the way. Stop at the beautiful Lake Tekapo (including the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd), have morning tea in the quaint town of Geraldine and finally take in amazing views of Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Along the way, enjoy fun stories from your local guides.

Escape the crowds and enjoy an incredible day in the great outdoors, on this stunning guided Crater Rim Walk. Lyttelton harbour is nestled inside an extinct volcano crater. You will be met at Lyttleton Port by your guide, and transported in a 12-seater van to Sumner Beach for hot drinks at a cafe overlooking the ocean. Godley Head Loop Track is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Christchurch, an undulating track with breathtaking coastal views, historic WW2 landmarks, and quaint little beaches. The distance is 8 km / 5 miles, which takes around 3 hours to walk, with lots of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. Morning tea is served at Godley Head, followed by a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, a secluded beach, looking out over Pegasus Bay, and the majestic Southern Alps beyond. Seals, dolphins, and birds are often spotted. After the walk, your guide will return you to Lyttleton Port, or if time allows you will also have the option of being dropped into Christchurch City to explore.

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful Hooker valley and Tasman Glacier valley with breathtaking views and tracking. PAY LESS, ENJOY MORE! We can’t wait to have you on board. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers.

Presenting the highlights of Christchurch City and surrounding suburbs, and also featuring some of the lesser known but equally appealing sights. Our smaller group size and choice of vehicle make moving around the inner city effortless, and you're always front of queue because on our tours there isn't one.

A thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter tour are both must-do activities in New Zealand. Save yourself time and hassle by combining them in one easy trip. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the scenic Canterbury countryside, admiring the pristine braided rivers as you go. Soon you’ll be zipping over them in a jet boat navigated by an expert driver who will keep you safe while you’re having fun.

Enjoy both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

Hiking fans will love spending a day exploring Banks Peninsula with the convenience of having a guide to navigate. You won’t have to bring heavy equipment with you as a backpack, walking poles, and bottled water are included. Access scenic photo opportunities that you wouldn’t find alone, and hear about the area’s history. Highlights include visiting Crater Rim, seeing views of Pegasus Bay, and a picnic lunch with lovely views.

Make the most of a day on land with this nature-focused shore excursion around the Banks Peninsula harbors at Lyttelton and Akaroa. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the two-hour nature cruise in Akaroa Harbour, where you may see rare Hector’s Dolphins. Admire views of the twin harbors, the Canterbury Plains, and Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth, and stop at a cheese factory to learn more about local artisan produce.