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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center
Christchurch, New Zealand
- 6 hours 30 minutes
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Catering exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this half-day all-inclusive coach tour of Christchurch fits in more than most visitors can see or do in a weekend on their own. Combine a visit to the renowned International Antarctic Centre with a narrated, air-conditioned excursion around several of the Garden City’s most historic and picturesque sites, plus learn about the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as you travel.
- See the destruction wrought upon Christchuch and witness the ongoing rebuild
- Wander through the pretty Mona Vale Gardens and Riverside Market
- See the famous little blue penguins rescued and re-homed by the Antarctic Centre
- Experience an Antarctic blizzard and take a ride in a Hagglund ice-vehicle
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Fisherman's WharfNorwich Quay, Lyttelton 8082, New Zealand
Start time
08:30 AM
Pickup details
Meeting instructions will be sent upon booking. Please note that the default time for this tour is 8.30am but this can be amended depending on your cruise ships arrival and departure times.
What To Expect
Lyttelton Harbour
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Leisure Tours (Pass By)
Sign of the Takahe
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mona Vale
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Cathedral Square
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Riverside Market
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
International Antarctic Centre
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Infants must sit on laps
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Reviews
4.5
122 reviews
Jeannie_J, Apr 2024
Andrew, our Leisure Tours driver/guide, met us at the shuttle stop in Lyttleton. We drove along the harbor and up the crater rim to a scenic overlook of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains. You could see the southern alps in the distance.
Our next stop was Mona Vale Garden Park. There was a lovely walk along a stream with beautiful plants and gardens including rose and fern gardens.
We drove through Christchurch, seeing the buildings that survived the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and the ongoing rebuilding. We were dropped off in Cathedral Square and had time for lunch on our own and shopping.
The International Antarctic Center, our next stop, was the highlight of the tour! We boarded a Hagglund vehicle that is used in the Antarctic. We strapped in and we’re taken over an obstacle course that simulates the Antarctic terrain. It was bumpy and rough, but a unique experience! The next stop was the “Antarctic Experience”. You put on a heavy coat and enter a chamber that simulates the cold and wind of the Antarctic. We then saw some little blue penguins which are native to New Zealand. The final experience was a 4 D theater with a movie about the Antarctic. The seats moved and air and water squirted at you. The International Antarctic Center is a must visit!
On our drive back to Lyttleton we drove through areas where the earthquakes were so destructive that they cleared the area and will not rebuild. You could see only old roads and streetlights, it was eerie!
Andrew was very friendly and informative.
This excursion is appropriate for singles, couples and families. I definitely recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kiaora Jeannie and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you
enjoyed your day with Andrew!
Anthony_S, Apr 2024
This was an interesting tour, seeing the Christchurch and the effects of the earthquake . Our guide was very knowledgable. We enjoyed the tram ride, in our free time so additional cost. The trip to the Antarctic centre was very interesting.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kiaora Anthony and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you
enjoyed your day with us!
Don_G, Apr 2024
This was by far one of the best excursions we’ve ever been on. The driver was extremely informative talked about Littleton and then the Antarctic portion was absolutely amazing. A must see when you go to Littleton New Zealand.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kiaora Don and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you
enjoyed your day with us!
David_B, Mar 2024
Great tour and the visit to Antarctic Center was a highlight. Our driver / guide Scotty was excellent. Lots of great information including where to get a delicious pie for lunch! Would recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kiaora David and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you
enjoyed your day with us!
Jennifer_M, Mar 2024
What a great day with Scotty! There were many different components to this trip. His many years of experience ensured that we had all the knowledge that only a local can bring. He was mindful of the timing of each stage so we were back on board our ship without being rushed. Thank you Scotty.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kiaora Jennifer and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you
enjoyed your day with Scotty!
Robert_H, Mar 2024
An OK tour overall, but the Antarctica Center made it worthwhile. We were dropped off in the middle of Christchurch without any kind of a map to get our bearings. Strongly recommend grabbing a map and walking several blocks to see the Quake City museum, very informative. Wish we had more time at the Antarctica Center, it was well worth it.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Kiaora and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your day with us! We always provide a map for our passengers, I'm not sure why you didnt get one, we have boxes of them!
BonnieP_G, Mar 2024
The Antarctic Center was great! Loved the 4-D movie and antarctic room. you are given a coat and booties to keep dry and warm.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Kiaora Bonnie and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your day with us!
Sandra_H, Mar 2024
Antarctic Centre was amazing- so much to see and do. Penguins, Antarctica conditions, transportation, films, immersive experiences and much more
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Kiaora Sandra and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your day with us!
Allison_L, Mar 2024
Great tour with wonderful guides. Would have liked less lunch time and more time at the Antarctic Center, otherwise great!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Kiaora Allison and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your day with us! For the record, the stop in the city isnt just a lunch stop, it is an opportunity to explore the arts centre, botancial gardens, cardboard cathedral etc etc.
helendubois, Mar 2024
Really enjoyed all the tour especially the Antarctica experience. The bus driver was exceptional and calmly coped with the challenges of mechanical issues on the bus. Full marks to him!!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Kiaora Helen and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your day with us!
...
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