Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

Highlights

  • Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic view points on a half-day city tour of Christchurch. Wander the Monavale Gardens with pretty ponds and water features, drive through the city center once with its historic buildings and architecture now heavily destroyed and badly damaged by the Earthquake hitting the city in February 2011.  See for yourself both the destruction of the central city and the rebuild that is taking place. You will visit the botanical gardens in the central city and the seaside suburb of Sumner. Travel to the Sign of the Takahe to admire the spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. The tour then moves on to The International Antarctic Centre.  This features a recreation of the atmosphere of Antarctica with a snow and ice experience, the blue penguin encounter, a 4-D Movie experience and an exhilarating Hagglund ride. The Penguins held here are birds that have been rescued and cared for, some since they were chicks. Due to physical disabilities that have left them defenceless, many of them would not have survived on their own back in the wild. Highlights • Central Christchurch including the badly earthquake damaged city centre • Christchurch Botanical Gardens • Mona Vale House and Gardens • Sign of the Takahe with magnificent view over the entire city from the coastline to the mountains • Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour • Sumner Beach and township • Admission to the International Antarctic Centre • Little Blue Penguin viewing and Hagglund Ride • Stops for photo opportunities at all the key destinations • This sightseeing option of Christchurch is designed for cruise ship passengers.

Summary

Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic view points on a half-day city tour of Christchurch. Wander the Monavale Gardens with pretty ponds and water features, drive through the city center once with its historic buildings and architecture now heavily destroyed and badly damaged by the Earthquake hitting the city in February 2011.  See for yourself both the destruction of the central city and the rebuild that is taking place. You will visit the botanical gardens in the central city and the seaside suburb of Sumner. Travel to the Sign of the Takahe to admire the spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. The tour then moves on to The International Antarctic Centre.  This features a recreation of the atmosphere of Antarctica with a snow and ice experience, the blue penguin encounter, a 4-D Movie experience and an exhilarating Hagglund ride. The Penguins held here are birds that have been rescued and cared for, some since they were chicks. Due to physical disabilities that have left them defenceless, many of them would not have survived on their own back in the wild. Highlights • Central Christchurch including the badly earthquake damaged city centre • Christchurch Botanical Gardens • Mona Vale House and Gardens • Sign of the Takahe with magnificent view over the entire city from the coastline to the mountains • Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour • Sumner Beach and township • Admission to the International Antarctic Centre • Little Blue Penguin viewing and Hagglund Ride • Stops for photo opportunities at all the key destinations • This sightseeing option of Christchurch is designed for cruise ship passengers.

Tour info

Duration
6 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Combine the International Antarctic Centre with its little Blue Penguins, Antarctic Storm in the Ice and Snow room, 4-D Movie and Hagglund ride over a purpose made course, together with a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild currently taking place but also the remaining historic landmarks and the existing beauty of this picturesque city.

What’s included?

  • Driver/guide

  • Live commentary on board

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

  • Food and drinks

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 6h 30m

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Leisure Tours

About operator:

This Waipara wine region tour takes you to visit four wineries, with tastings, in a half-day trip from Christchurch. Enjoy samples of local reds and whites without worry of designating a driver as transportation is included. Listen to a guide's commentary about the local terroir to learn about the region as you travel. Upgrade to include a lunch with wine pairings.

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