Shore Excursions in Christchurch

When your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, take a shore excursion to Christchurch for a sightseeing tour, followed by an adrenaline-charged jet-boat ride on the Waimak River. Escorted by a knowledgeable guide, you'll combine a drive through the Banks Peninsula with the city landmarks of Christchurch and an exhilarating jet-boat ride. Round-trip port transport is included.

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and other city highlights before a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch's top attraction. Feel arctic winds at the Snow and Ice Experience and observe New Zealand wildlife at the Penguin Encounter. Finish with an all-terrain adventure on a thrilling ride by amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

Maximise your time in port in Akaroa with a 6-hour shore excursion to Christchurch and take in the highlights of the Garden City. Admire city landmarks such as Christchurch Cathedral, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a riverside restaurant, then choose one of three tour options (for an added fee): a punting cruise along the Avon River, a tour of the Botanic Gardens, or a ride on the Christchurch City Tram.

Travel from Akaroa Harbour on a 6.5-hour shore excursion through the Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, whose city center was devastated by the 2011 earthquake. Drive past city landmarks in the old CBD and stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable guide. En route, you'll take in the scenic splendor of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Region, including Little River, Lake Forsyth and Lake Ellesmere.

This 6-hour Akaroa shore excursion takes you on a scenic journey into Christchurch via the Banks Peninsula with a visit to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Your tour of the 'Garden City' includes a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and a look at earthquake recovery efforts in the city center. You'll find exotic critters such as wallabies, gibbons and lemurs at the wildlife reserve, and meet the elusive but iconic kiwi, New Zealand's national bird.

Visit the historic city of Christchurch on a full-day trip from Akaroa Wharf. With drop-off at a location in the heart of Christchurch, you'll have three hours of independent time to explore Christchurch on your own: visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, book a boat ride on the Avon River, or just browse the shops in the city center. This full-day Christchurch excursion includes pickup and drop-off at the port in Akaroa Wharf, and it's a convenient way to add New Zealand's "Garden City" to your time at Akaroa Wharf.