Christchurch city & tram tour
Half day · 4 hours
Heritage tram loop, the Botanic Gardens, the Transitional Cathedral and a guided walk through the rebuilt CBD.
Christchurch cruise shore excursions.
Lyttelton Port (or Akaroa tender) 9–11 hours alongside New Zealand
Most ships now berth at Lyttelton, a 20-minute drive through the Port Hills tunnel to central Christchurch. The city has rebuilt with character since the 2011 earthquakes — the Cardboard Cathedral, Re:START container precinct and Botanic Gardens are all worth seeing — and the surrounding region delivers Akaroa, Antarctic experiences and Canterbury high-country drives.
What to do ashore
Banks Peninsula & Akaroa village
Full day · 8 hours
Scenic drive over the volcanic crater rim to Akaroa's French-influenced harbour village, with a harbour nature cruise to spot Hector's dolphins.
International Antarctic Centre
Half day · 4 hours
Hands-on Antarctic storm room, Hägglund ride and resident little blue penguins. Great for families and rainy-day port calls.
Canterbury high-country & Castle Hill
Full day · 9 hours
Drive west across the Canterbury Plains to the limestone formations at Castle Hill and Arthur's Pass village. Spectacular alpine scenery.
Getting ashore
Lyttelton is a walk-off port; some itineraries tender into Akaroa instead.
Good to know
- —Confirm whether your call is Lyttelton or Akaroa — tour logistics are completely different.
- —Akaroa tender operations can add 30–45 minutes each way; plan return time accordingly.
- —Canterbury weather changes fast — pack layers even in summer.
Planning a call at Christchurch?
Request a full shore excursion programme with pricing, capacity and backup plans.