Akaroa – Christchurch Sightseeing

Discover Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City on this shore excursion from Akaroa. Travelling through the picturesque Banks Peninsula to the beautiful city of Christchurch see the damage and rebuild efforts from the earthquakes in February 2011. Visits the scenic Lyttelton Harbour and the Sign of the Takahe for some excellent views of the city.

Discover the Banks Peninsula and the city of Christchurch on this shore excursion. Our Christchurch sightseeing tour departs 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 brief stop at the botanical gardens, join us on a sightseeing tour showcasing the city landmarks. See for yourself the areas most affected by the earthquakes in February 2011 and learn how Christchurch is preserving its rich history with its rebuilds and new architecture. This is followed by a stop at the newly rebuilt city zone which provides some great opportunities to explore on your own and time for lunch.

Rejoin your coach and travel on to Lyttelton harbour, the original port of Christchurch for cruise ships prior to the earthquakes, followed by a trip to and the Sign of the Takahe for some stunning views of the city and the Southern Alps. The tour will return you to Akaroa in plenty of time prior to your cruise ships departure.

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 Christchurch City tour.
13.00: The tour vehicle will stop in the central city for a break in the newly rebuilt city zone for an opportunity to explore on foot and time for lunch.
13.45: Depart the central city with your coach and travel to the scenic Lyttelton Harbour and the Sign of the Takahe for some excellent views of the city and Southern Alps.
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.

10.00: 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.

11.30: Arrive at Mona Vale, a stately home surrounded by magnificent gardens. Take a stroll through the grounds, following the Avon River which forms one of the property’s boundaries. The coach will then travel around to the rear gatehouse where your tour guide will meet you once you have had the opportunity to explore the gardens

12.00: Depart Mona Vale and travel into the central city of Christchurch, which was devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. Your guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake. You will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild which has taken place and continues today.

The central city tour will include the major highlights of Christchurch, concluding in Cathedral Square, where you will have time to explore this central part of the city on foot and enjoy some great photo opportunities.

Time for lunch – Continue to Riverside Market, where you will have free time to choose and purchase lunch from the wide selection of local food and cafés.

13.30: Depart the city and head to the Sign of the Takahe, found on the hills above the city which affords a wonderful overview of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. After which, head back to Akaroa via Governors Bay and Lyttelton Harbour . On route, stop at the Hill Top for a wonderful photo opportunity of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.

16.00: Arrive back in Akaroa & Return to your cruise ship

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: 10:00
Duration (source): 6 Hours