Akaroa – Christchurch City Sights with Willowbank

A shore excursion that combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula, Christchurch city and admission with a guided tour of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you’ll be able to view rare and endangered New Zealand animals such as the iconic Kiwi, as well as our unique flora, wildlife and culture.

A shore excursion that combines a tour of Banks Peninsula and the city of Christchurch with a guided tour of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This tour departs from the port of Akaroa and travels via the Akaroa Highway with breathtaking scenery of Akaroa Harbour, Little River, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.

On arriving in Christchurch and following a stop at the botanical gardens, join us on a brief sightseeing tour highlighting the city landmarks and the city centre which was badly damaged by the earthquakes in February 2011. See for yourself both the destruction of the central city and the rebuild that is taking place.

The tour then moves on to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, your entry is included to the Wildlife Reserve with a guided tour of the reserves ‘Natural New Zealand’. Your guide will show you some of the species that make up our totally unique native wildlife, our flora, and our culture. You will also see some of our most endangered species, including the iconic kiwi, and learn about the work being done to preserve them.

10.30: Depart Akaroa for Christchurch, travelling via the Akaroa Highway with breathtaking scenery of Akaroa Harbour, Little River, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.
12.00: Arrive at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens where you will have some time to explore.
12.30: Depart the Botanical Gardens for a Christchurch City tour highlighting city landmarks and the rebuild of city centre after the 2011 Earthquakes.
13.15: Arrive at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (Entrance to the park and a Guided Kiwi Tour included)
15.00: Depart from Christchurch for Akaroa.
16.30: Arrive at Akaroa to reboard your ship.

This tour from Akaroa to Christchurch is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers.

Our coach departs Akaroa at 10.30am and returns to Akaroa by 4.30pm. This will ensure you arrive at the cruise ship before departure.

After disembarking the ship and being tendered ashore, please proceed to the end of the wharf, where you will meet your Leisure Tours representative.

Typical start time: 1000 am
Duration (source): 6 hours