Elevated view of Lyttelton Harbour near Christchurch, New Zealand, showing rolling green hills, calm blue inlets and distant mountain ranges under a clear sky.

Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

Cruises to Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

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Things to do in Christchurch (Lyttelton)

Christchurch channels old‑England charm with tree‑lined streets, Gothic architecture and gardens that hint at a bygone colonial era — but this city is far from stuck in the past. Modern design, reconstruction momentum and wild natural backdrops give it a layered character you are going to love.

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  • Close-up of green grapes hanging from sunlit vines, surrounded by bright green leaves glowing in soft daylight.

    Enjoy local cuisine with fresh Canterbury lamb, artisan cheeses and wines grown where sheep once ruled the land.

  • Gothic-style Christchurch Cathedral with its tall stone spire and red doors, surrounded by people walking through Cathedral Square under a bright blue sky.

    Visit historical landmarks like Christchurch Cathedral, the Arts Centre and the vintage tramway that circles the city.

  • Vibrant rose-covered archways in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful blossoms under a bright blue sky.

    Take in natural beauty at the Botanic Gardens, along the Avon River and across the dramatic Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton Harbour.

  • Group of small blue penguins gathered beside a zookeeper wearing gloves, preparing food next to a green bucket.

    Dive into arts and culture through the International Antarctic Centre, colorful street art and a city‑willing‑to‑rebuild mindset that you only see in areas that know how to pick themselves up and dust off after earthquakes.

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Shore excursions to explore in Christchurch (Lyttelton)

Time to choose your adventure — these tours take you from sheep farms to Antarctic simulations to alpine high country and back to city‑scape.

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  • Flock of sheep standing on lush coastal hills overlooking the ocean at sunset in Canterbury, New Zealand.

    Local Connections: Town & Country – Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience

    This half‑day tour captures the soul of Canterbury, from volcanic harbors to rolling farmland. The journey begins around Lyttelton Harbour before winding over Gebbies Pass to Manderley Farm, where Ross and Mary Millar welcome you like old friends. Watch the sheepdogs in action, then a live shearing that feels like part ballet, part wrestling match. Morning tea is served with local charm before your ride back.

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  • Aerial view of Lyttelton Harbour in New Zealand, showing vivid blue-green water surrounded by lush hills under a partly cloudy sky.

    Easy Christchurch

    This is your no‑stress, all‑access pass to Christchurch. Start with a drive up Evans Pass for sweeping views of Lyttelton Harbour and the ancient volcanic hills that frame it. Cruise along the coast to Sumner, a seaside suburb where the cafés face the water and the breeze is always on duty. Then it’s into the city, past the partially rebuilt Christchurch Cathedral, its cardboard stand‑in and the once-devastated ‘red zone’ reborn as art and play spaces.

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  • Expansive view of the Canterbury Plains with green farmland, golden hills in the foreground and distant snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

    Local Connections: Erewhon High‑country Station

    If you’ve seen Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, you’ve already glimpsed this place. That’s because Erewhon Station doubled as Edoras, the capital of Rohan. The road from Lyttelton leads across the Canterbury Plains and deep into the Southern Alps, where the real‑life magic kicks in. At the farm, Clydesdale horses still pull wagons, deer and merino sheep roam the hills and the landscape stretches like a movie set. You'll ride a wagon through it all, then stop for a picnic lunch.

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  • A small penguin swimming underwater, surrounded by bubbles and soft blue light.

    Best of Christchurch: Airforce Wings & Antarctic Ice Adventure

    First stop, the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum! Then it’s off to the International Antarctic Centre, where the South Pole comes alive in wind tunnels, holograms and an honest‑to‑goodness penguin colony. Ride the Hagglund snow vehicle across simulated ice and feel the blast of an Antarctic storm. It’s half history, half science experiment, all unforgettable.

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  • Aerial view of the Waimakariri River’s intertwining blue streams flowing across pale sandbanks with farmland in the background.

    Waimakariri Jet Boat Experience

    Strap in for a rush of river spray and pure speed. A short drive delivers you to the Waimakariri River Gorge, its silver channels twisting through pale Canterbury stone. Then your Hamilton jet boat takes over, skimming just inches above the water in heart‑racing spins and dashes. It’s a clean, wild thrill in one of the most beautiful corners of New Zealand.

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  • Expansive view of Waipara Valley vineyards with green hills and distant mountains beneath a bright blue sky.

    Waipara Wine Tasting

    Waipara Valley is where the good stuff grows — Pinot Noir, Riesling and stories. You’ll journey north past wide plains and limestone hills, landing among boutique vineyards known for small batches and big flavor. Meet the winemakers, taste your way through three cellar doors and enjoy a platter lunch that turns into slow conversation. The easy going return ride is proof that good wine makes time stretch.

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Explore all Christchurch (Lyttelton) shore excursions

Explore itineraries with Lyttelton port (Christchurch)

Your ship docks at Lyttelton’s purpose‑built cruise berth (just minutes from the heart of Christchurch). A quick shuttle or coach ride takes you straight into the city or up into nearby nature zones with minimal fuss. As part of your New Zealand or Australia cruise itineraries, this stop gives you access to heritage architecture, seaside views and rural expanses all in one compact package.

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Manukau Heads Lighthouse - Auckland, New Zealand

14-Day New Zealand

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Port Arthur - Tasmania, Australia

13-Day Australia & New Zealand

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Aerial view of the beautiful tropical Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia.

28-Day Australia, New Zealand & Indonesia

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Discover Christchurch (Lyttelton) on your next cruise

Christchurch is where old‑world elegance meets post‑quake resilience. Tree‑lined avenues, Gothic stone façades and vibrant public art signal a city that honours its past and builds for the future. With Princess Cruises, you’ll arrive in style, have access to curated shore excursions and benefit from onboard comfort and logistics that make disembarkation and exploration feel seamless.

Cruises to Christchurch (Lyttelton)
Urban riverside scene in Christchurch with trees, grassy banks and modern buildings under a bright blue sky.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Avon River in the heart of Christchurch.

View of Christchurch Cathedral’s stone spire beside the silver and blue Chalice sculpture under a clear blue sky.

Discover Christchurch’s creative spirit where modern sculpture meets historic cathedral spires.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

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Cruises to Christchurch (Lyttelton) FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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    Airplane to Ship Transfer

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    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.

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