
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.
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
Gondola Express
Moderate Activity
AUD$59.99
Easy Christchurch by Double Decker Bus
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$89.95
Lyttelton Discovery Cruise
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$129.95
Hanmer Springs Resort & Thermal Springs
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$169.95
Waimakariri Jet Boat Experience
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$179.95
Local Connections: Waipara Wine Tasting
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$199.95
Town & Country - Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$199.95
Manderley Farm & Akaroa
- Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula
Manderley Farm Tour and Discover Akaroa.
Moderate Activity
AUD$239.95
Christchurch Restaurant Tram & Botanic Gardens
- 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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$249.95
Airforce Wings: Behind the scenes & Antarctic Ice Adventure
- 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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$279.95
Journey to Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings
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.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
AUD$339.95
Riverside Market
Explore the culinary gems that Canterbury has to offer, watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy a long lunch.
Moderate Activity
AUD$359.95
Local Connections: Erewhon High-country Station
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$399.95
Highcountry Explorer 4WD & Jetboat
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.
Moderate Activity
AUD$499.95
Lyttelton by Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (With Driver/Guide)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide at your service.
Moderate Activity
AUD$1099.95
Lyttelton by Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (With Driver/Guide)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide at your service.
Moderate Activity
AUD$1299.95
Lyttelton by Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (With Driver/Guide)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide at your service.
Moderate Activity
AUD$1899.95
Lyttelton by Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (With Driver/Guide)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide at your service.
Moderate Activity
AUD$2199.95