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Christchurch, New Zealand

Shore Excursions from Christchurch Arthurs Pass
We are the local Christchurch based, tour operator.  If you want to see the most and get the very best out of your day while you are berthed in Lyttelton, should consider booking our guided Christchurch City Sights Tour, or if you would like to go further afield, we can offer you a private charter.  With our port security clearance, we are able to pick you up and drop you off at Lyttelton Wharf.

Here is a selection of the most popular cruise ship tour options:

 
"We enjoyed the tour very much!!!  John was an excellent driver/guide with a wealth of knowledge about the area.  He is a very personable man and we were excited that he was with us for the tour.  We will recommend your tours to future cruisers on cruise critic.  Thanks for a very professional service that your organization provided.  Again thanks to John for making our day one we will never forget" - comments from Rocky Pasquino, USA 27 Dec 08
 

Please note that other scheduled tours as advertised on our website, do not fit into the cruise ship timetable.  The only scheduled tour available to cruise ship customers is the Christchurch City Sights Tour, as listed below.  All other tours are available by private charter.

 


 

Christchurch City Sights

(Scheduled Tour)

Itinerary

Leaving the wharf we travel over the Port Hills enjoying the stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour, on our way to the seaside city suburb of Sumner. From here we continue around the base of the hills to Sign of the Takahe viewing platform.  From here you will have wonderful orientation views over the Canterbury Plains, to the Southern Alps, up the Kaikoura coastline and over the City. 

city
We continue into the City and take you past many of the city highlights, parking conveniently outside the Canterbury Museum, where you will have time to visit the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, The Christchurch Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, or why not take a punt of the Avon River. artcentre4
A visit to Christchurch isn't complete without a visit to Cathedral Square.  While you are here you can visit the many attractions within easy walking distance, including the Cathedral, the Christchurch Visitor Centre, Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House, or perhaps you would just like to enjoy a stroll around the city centre, with it's many cafes, bars and shops.  You will have time to take a 20 minute circuit ride on the historic Christchurch Tram. Cathedralsq
The City and its well known English heritage, is highlighted with a visit to Mona Vale Gardens and function centre, just 5 minutes drive from the city centre. Mona Vale

We visit the International Antarctic Centre. The centre provides visitors with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of the 'Great White South'.  Take a walk through the Four Seasons, have fun in the snow & ice in the polar room, experience the chill of the Antarctic Storm, and see the little blue penguins. (if you don't want to go to the Antarctic Centre you can rejoin the tour in central Christchurch)

Penguins
By about 3.30pm you may well have thoughts of getting back to your ship.  We leave the city and travel via Lyttelton Tunnel, back to Lyttelton and have you on the wharf by approx 4.30pm, or earlier if required in order to rejoin your ship. Lyttelton-harbour

Price NZ$128 per person

or NZ$95 per person without the Antarctic Centre Entry Fee

 

To make a booking please click here

 

Information:

Departure Time: 9.00am  Return Time: Approx 4.30pm

Please note that the Hagglund Ride at the Antarctic Centre is not included in the tour price, simply because of time restraints.  However if you wish to do the Hagglund ride, then this is available at additional charge.

Amount of walking: As we make a number of stops, to enjoy the tour, you will need to be able to walk comfortably.

Walking platform:  Mostly pavements, although a little uphill walking is required to reach the Sign of the Takahe viewing platform.

Is this tour suitable for people requiring assistance with mobility: No sorry

 

 


 

Private Charters:

Are you a group of people, or a couple, who would like to travel together but on your own, without 40 others from the ship, and which will cost much less than the cruise ship tours?  Read on....!

If you would like to travel further afield, or travel exclusively, you should consider booking a private charter.  We can take couples or up to 150 people. 

We would be delighted to show you the Christchurch city highlights such as Mona Vale, Christchurch Cathedral, Arts Centre or The International Antarctic Centre. 

While you are in the City you might want to take a punt on the Avon River, or enjoy a ride through our city on our historic tram.  

 

Day tours to Akaroa, Arthurs Pass, Hanmer Springs, and the award winning wineries such as Pegasus Bay, are very popular.  City sightseeing charters are also available.

 

You may want to go swimming with the dolphins or jet boating.  If you are interested in gardens, we can get you into some spectacular privately owned gardens, including ‘Ohinetahi’ garden, which is known internationally.  If you would like to see a real working farm, then this can also be arranged. 

 

The cost to charter a minibus and tour guide, any time between 8.30am and 5.00pm, is as follows. Please note that cost is not per person, but for the driver and vehicle.  Prices are in NZ$, inclusive of GST (local tax)

Number of People

1 - 6 People 7 or 8 People
Akaroa $695 $745
Arthurs Pass $795 $845
Waipara Wineries $645 $695
Christchurch City Sights $595 $650
Hanmer Springs $695 $745

 

Our minibuses are modern, have dual airconditioning, PA system, and seat up to 11 passengers.  For comfort reasons, 8 people is the maximum we like to take in these vehicles.  We have a 3 larger vehicles for 9 or more passengers, if required.

Van in Akaroa

For current exchange rates please click here.

To book a private charter please click here.

To request a quote for a larger group, please click here to send an email.

All tour itineraries include time to see some of Christchurch's City sights. For a detailed itinerary please request one here.

Please click here to read comments sent to us from our customers.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Happy Cruising!

Jo and John

Phone + 64 3 3578262

email jo@discoverytravel.co.nz

 
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