From Lyttelton Port, you’ll find several well-organized excursions that make the most of your time in Christchurch. The standout tours combine city sightseeing with trips to Waipara Valley’s excellent wineries, letting you experience both urban and rural Canterbury in one efficient outing.
I especially love the small-group harbor kayaking tours – they’re intimate and give you a unique perspective of the dramatic port landscape. For hikers, the guided trek to Packhorse Hut offers stunning Southern Alps views and is well worth the effort.
The guided walking tours with picnic stops are perfect for travelers who want to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace while learning about local history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
Let’s explore the best shore excursions available from Lyttelton Port…
Key Points
- Waipara Wine Tours offer a 90% recommended Lyttelton Shore Excursion with visits to three renowned wineries and a scenic drive with lunch.
- Sea Kayaking Experience provides an intimate group tour to explore Quail Island and Lyttelton Harbour, suitable for moderate fitness levels.
- Guided Hiking Tours to Packhorse Hut offer an intimate experience for up to 8 participants, with amenities like air-conditioned transport and lunch.
- Guided Walking Tours provide a personalized Lyttelton Shore Excursion featuring scenic views, a picnic lunch, and a flexible pace.
- City and Inland Canterbury Tours combine city highlights and Waipara wine sampling, with an alternative Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour for stunning countryside.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch
The Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour with Lunch offers cruise ship travelers a chance to explore the renowned Waipara Valley.
This 90% recommended tour takes visitors to three wineries known for their dry climate and rich soils, where they can sample Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Travelers will enjoy a scenic drive in an air-conditioned vehicle and a delicious lunch at Waipara Springs Winery.
With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour provides a personalized experience.
Wheelchair users and those with service animals are welcome, and the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch Review
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Sea Kayaking, Quail Island & Harbour
For cruise ship travelers in Christchurch, the Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Sea Kayaking, Quail Island & Harbour promises an immersive experience in the local natural surroundings.
Operated by Adventure by Nature, this tour offers sea kayaking, a visit to Quail Island, and exploration of the Lyttelton Harbour. Priced at ₹21,151.68 per person, the excursion includes transportation, equipment, refreshments, and lunch.
The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour starts at 9 am from the Norwich Quay in Lyttelton, with a pickup in a branded vehicle.
Moderate fitness is required, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Advance booking is recommended to secure availability.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Sea Kayaking, Quail Island & Harbour Review
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion -Guided Hiking Tour Packhorse Hut
Departing from the Norwich Quay in Lyttelton, the Guided Hiking Tour to Packhorse Hut allows cruise ship travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Christchurch region.
With a maximum of 8 participants, this tour provides an intimate experience led by a knowledgeable guide. Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy coffee, tea, lunch, and snacks along the way.
The moderate hike isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions, and pregnant travelers should also avoid this activity.
After the tour, guests will be returned to the original meeting point.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Shore Excursion -Guided Hiking Tour Packhorse Hut Review
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and Picnic
Frequently, cruise ship travelers embark on the Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and Picnic to enjoy the natural splendor of the Christchurch region.
This highly-rated tour provides a seamless experience, with port pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable local guide leading the way. Hikers can enjoy scenic views and a picnic lunch, while the flexible pace allows for breaks and photos.
Though not wheelchair-accessible, the moderate hike is generally manageable, with walking poles provided. With a maximum group size of 10, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
Valued for its excellent service and fantastic scenery, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Christchurch.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and Picnic Review
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion – City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour
The Lyttelton Shore Excursion – City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Christchurch’s top attractions and the renowned Waipara wine region.
This full-day tour, available for a maximum of 18 travelers, offers a worry-free shore excursion experience with air-conditioned transportation, a knowledgeable driver-guide, and a delightful lunch.
Guests can expect scenic views, engaging commentary, and the opportunity to sample the region’s finest wines at three local wineries.
With a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews, this tour is a popular choice for cruise ship passengers seeking a well-rounded introduction to the charm of Christchurch and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Shore Excursion – City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour Review
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion -Inland Canterburey & Castle Hill Tour
For cruise ship passengers seeking a deeper exploration of the Canterbury region beyond Christchurch’s city limits, the Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour offers a captivating alternative.
Rated 5.0 out of 5, this full-day tour takes visitors on a journey through the stunning countryside, featuring stops at the Castle Hill limestone formations and a delicious lunch.
Travelers will enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation, as well as complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks.
With a maximum of 8 participants, this intimate tour ensures a personalized experience, making it an excellent choice for those eager to venture beyond the city and enjoy the natural beauty of inland Canterbury.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Shore Excursion -Inland Canterburey & Castle Hill Tour Review
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Sum Up
Christchurch offers a range of excellent shore excursions for cruise passengers. Whether you prefer wine tasting, sea kayaking, hiking, or city sightseeing, there’s something to suit every taste. These tours allow visitors to explore the stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture of the region, making the most of their time in port.