Akaroa – Christchurch Sightseeing with Giants House Tour

Embark on this shore excursion which combines a sightseeing tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City with a guided tour of the Giant’s House in Akaroa with its beautiful sculptures and gardens.

Discover the city of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula on this shore excursion from Akaroa. Depart Akaroa and travel via the Akaroa Highway through the Banks Peninsula and on to Christchurch. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief stop at the Botanical Gardens before commencing on a sightseeing tour of Christchurch city which highlights various landmarks as well as the damage and rebuild efforts from the February 2011 earthquakes. You’ll then make a stop in the Central City, which offers you some time for lunch (own expense) and exploration. After departing the city, head to the Sign of the Takahe for some magnificent views of the city, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Finally return to Akaroa for a guided tour of the famous Giant’s House with its beautiful mosaic sculptures and pristine gardens.

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 with full commentary, which highlights the damage and rebuild efforts of February 2011 earthquakes as well as existing landmarks.

13.00: A stop will be made at the Cathedral Square for photos and exploration of the newly rebuilt city center. During this time, you will be able to purchase lunch and/or refreshments if required (own expense).

14.00: 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 where the cruise ships berthed prior to the 2011 earthquake. On route, stop at the Hill Top for a wonderful photo opportunity of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.

15.30: Arrive back in Akaroa for a visit and guided tour of the Giants House with its beautiful gardens and unique sculptures.

16.30: Return to your cruise ship.

Tour Duration: 6 hours

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.

15.00: Arrive back in Akaroa for a visit and guided tour of the Giants House with its beautiful gardens and unique sculptures.

16.30: 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.

Start time: 10.00am
Duration (source): 6 Hours