Christchurch – Sightseeing with Jet Boating

Explore the highlights of Christchurch on this relaxed sightseeing tour through New Zealand's famous garden city. Discover a city in transformation, where heritage architecture and contemporary design sit side by side. Then experience the thrill of jet boating on the Waimakariri River, a fast-flowing, shallow braided river that provides the perfect setting for an exhilarating jet boat adventure. Feel the excitement of high-speed turns and spectacular scenery as you experience jet boating at its very best.

08.45:- Meet and greet in Lyttleton township for your Christchurch Highlight Tour with Jet Boating on the Lower Waimakariri River for a thrilling ‘braided blast’ jet boating experience.

09.00:- Depart Lyttleton and travel via the inner bays of Lyttleton Harbour to Governors Bay and then via Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi. Dyers Pass climbs up the old volcanic crater wall to the summit and from the Sign of the Kiwi, there are wonderful views of both the Harbour and the city of Christchurch.

09.30:- The tour arrives at the Sign of the Takahe, a Scottish-like castle that has a viewing platform providing magnificent views over the City of Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps which are snow-capped for up to 9 months of the year. Access to the viewing platform is via a gentle 5-minute walk.

09.50:- Depart the Sign of the Tahake for Mona Vale, a stately home and magnificent gardens.

10.10:- Arrive at the front gate house of Mona Vale and stroll through the grounds, following the Avon River which acts as one of the properties 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 grounds.

10.30:- Depart Mona Vale and travel into the central city of Christchurch which was completely 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 and is taking place. The central city tour will conclude in Cathedral Square where you will be given time to explore this central part of the city on foot. There are some great photo opportunities in this area.

12.45:- Depart Cathedral Square for the snow fed Waimakariri River (a braided river which can only be found on the South Island of New Zealand, the Himalaya’s and Alaska). The jet boat experience is with an expert jet boat driver who will drive the boat at speed and execute turns and spins in water that is often only centimeters deep. Experience the thrills of jet boating through shallow, shifting, ever changing shingle bottom steams. Scream with excitement as the driver spins the boats 360 degrees and the magnificent scenery blurs before your eyes.

14.30:- Depart the Jet Boating and return to your cruise ship berthed in Lyttleton.

15.30: – The tour returns to Lyttleton township where your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.

Duration (source): 6.5 hours
Please Note that the timings are indicative only for cruise ships berth by 8 am or earlier. For all other cruise ships with a later arrival time in Lyttelton the excursion times will be adjusted to meet the cruise ships schedule.