Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

Travel down the tree-lined Avon Rive, tour English-style gardens and drive past a Gothic cathedral. No, it's not England - it's Christchurch, New Zealand's most English city. The colonists who settled Christchurch transformed the treeless landscape by planting European trees and setting aside vast tracts as parkland. Today, parks dot the city, giving Christchurch an old-world ambience that belies its sophisticated style.

Settled under the auspices of the Church of England in the mid-1800s, Christchurch is a planned city that flourished with New Zealand's agriculture and sheep industry. At the heart of the city lies Christchurch Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built of local stone. The port of Lyttelton serves as your gateway to Christchurch.

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Points of Interest

  • Canterbury Museum
  • Arts Centre/Christchurch Art Gallery
  • Christchurch Cathedral
  • Botanic Gardens
  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tramway
  • Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula
  • Tranz Alpine Railway

More about Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand Points of Interest

  • Canterbury Museum

    The museum opened in 1870 and is world-renowned for its natural and human history collections. Don't miss the outstanding Maori exhibits, Victorian Christchurch Street, and vast Antarctic collection.

  • Arts Centre/Christchurch Art Gallery

    This exciting venue hosts to a huge range of New Zealand-made art and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment. It's also one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.

  • Christchurch Cathedral

    This neogothic Cathedral is the imposing midtown landmark. Climb the North tower's 133 steps for a bird's-eye view of the entire city. The Cathedral Square is considered the city's lively center.

  • Botanic Gardens

    Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree to commemorate the marriage of Queen Victoria's son, the lush Gardens feature one of the finest collections of plants found in New Zealand.

  • International Antarctic Centre

    Experience what it's like in the Antarctic. This interactive center lets you see, touch and feel what it takes to survive the "South Pole." See penguins, climb into an igloo, and ride the hagglund.

  • Christchurch Tramway

    These vintage trams offer a unique way to travel about and see the city. The tram tour travels a loop throughout the town, making 11 stops along the way at many of the major attractions.

  • Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula

    Banks Peninsula was formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Originally a French whaling port, the historic town of Akaroa offers Victorian cottages, great dining and "The Giant's House."

  • Tranz Alpine Railway

    A two-hour trip aboard New Zealand's famous train travels the Canterbury Plains to Arthur's Pass National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps

18 EXCURSIONS

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Easy Christchurch by Double Decker Bus

3.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 2 0 5

All aboard! A double-decker bus is the perfect way to see the highlights of vibrant Christchurch. Take in all its historic highlights and admire the rebuilding throughout the city since the devastating 2011 earthquake. Take in such sights as Canterbury Museum, Cathedral Square, Hagley Park, and the Earthquake Memorial.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$89.95

Average Guest Rating

Lyttelton Discovery Cruise

2.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 2 4 0

A chartered catamaran gently takes you along the beautiful shoreline of Lyttelton. Keep your camera at the ready, as wildlife is abundant, including the smallest of the species, the Hector's dolphin, as well as coastal birdlife. Your skipper will share the history and geology of the region, and refreshments are served on board.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$129.95

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Hanmer Springs Resort & Thermal Springs

8.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 1 8 5

The alpine resort village of Hanmer Springs welcomes visitors to partake in its renowned thermal pools, relaxing rock pools and bubbling spa, children's area, and thrilling waterslide experiences. Conclude with a short drive through Christchurch.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$169.95

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Waimakariri Jet Boat Experience

2.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 5 0 0

Thrills and chills await on this exciting jet boat experience that takes in the spectacular scenery of the Waimakariri River Gorge and the beautiful and rugged snow-capped Southern Alps. Fast and furious speed plus a few hair-raising spins make this exhilarating, 20-minute adventure a wet and wild good time.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$179.95

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Local Connections: Waipara Wine Tasting

6.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 3 0 0

The lush Waipara wine region, just an hour outside of Christchurch, is home to over 75 vineyards and lays claim to being one of New Zealand's fastest-growing wine producers. Visit several wineries, learn how the region's Mediterranean climate contributes to a range of wine styles, and enjoy tastings and a platter-style lunch.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$199.95

Average Guest Rating

Town & Country - Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience

4 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 2 0 0

Delight in both city and countryside highlights on this relaxed and scenic adventure that explores the pastoral landscapes of Manderley Farm in Canterbury, a working sheep ranch where you'll meet the owners and watch a sheep dog demonstration before concluding with a drive along the shores of Lake Ellesmere into Christchurch.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$199.95

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Christchurch Restaurant Tram & Botanic Gardens

4 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 1 2 5
  • Canterbury Museum

See the best of Christchurch while riding two different but equally fun modes of transportation. The heritage Restaurant Tram offers a scenic view of the city while you enjoy a tea service in comfort and style. Then, hop aboard the "Caterpillar," an open-air tram, for a tour of the incredible Botanic Gardens.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$249.95

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Airforce Wings: Behind the scenes & Antarctic Ice Adventure

5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 2 2 5
  • International Antarctic Centre

Fly through history at the Air Force Museum with an exclusive, behind the scenes look at the Kiwis' aviation timeline through dozens of aircraft, including the world's only Vickers Vildebeest biplane. Then, explore the South Pole at the International Antarctic Center. Ride the Hagglund snow cat, see penguins and experience interactive displays.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$279.95

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Journey to Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings

8.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 1 0 5

Welcome to Middle Earth. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, making the most of the vast and remote landscapes. A local guide and film buff will escort you to several of the locations and provide insightful commentary on Christchurch, Canterbury and J. R. R. Tolkien's great works.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

AUD$339.95

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Riverside Market

4 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 3 1 5

Explore the culinary gems that Canterbury has to offer, watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy a long lunch.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$359.95

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Local Connections: Erewhon High-country Station

8.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 1 1 5

Journey into the Canterbury high country to visit picturesque Erewhon Station, a 35,000-acre sheep and beef farm set against the Southern Alps. Much of the work on the property utilizes Clydesdale horses, and you'll enjoy a tour and a ride in a horse-drawn wagon. Tuck into a picnic lunch in the mountains.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$399.95

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Highcountry Explorer 4WD & Jetboat

7.5 hours | Christchurch (Lyttelton) | C H C - 4 6 0

A rough and rugged exploration of New Zealand's hill country of the Southern Alps heads off the beaten path. Enjoy the great outdoors on a 4X4 tour vehicle that's made for back roads and off-roading. Then, jump aboard a high-speed jet boat for a thrilling cruise into the spectacular Waimakariri River Gorge.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$499.95

Average Guest Rating