Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) in Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand

Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton)

Outty Ranking 57 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $299
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) worth booking?

Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) is a 6-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $299 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
6 hours
From
$299 per person

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly

What you get

  • Lunch
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Tea and coffee
  • Snacks

About this experience

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Morning Tea, Cafe lunch and entry into The Giant's House are included. Starting and finishing in Lyttelton, this excursion offers a genuinely scenic experience. You will learn about the fascinating local history and discover how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape, which in turn continues to influence the lives of the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the whimsical Giant’s House, filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. While in town, you can enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. This trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits perfectly into your cruise ship schedule, guaranteeing a timely return to Lyttelton with no stress.

What's included

Included

  • Lunch
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Tea and coffee
  • Snacks

What you'll see and do

  1. We stop for a short visit and photo opportunity at the Sign of the Bellbird, one of the original four stone rest houses in the Port Hills. A 15-minute drive along Summit Road brings us to the next location.

    10 minutes here

  2. Gebbies Pass links Lyttelton Harbour to Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour. Stopping at the top of the 161-meter-high pass affords a stunning view over the rugged farmland, with Lyttelton Harbour in the background. A 15-minute drive brings us to our next location.

    10 minutes here

  3. Morning tea is served before exploring the beautiful native bush and admiring the massive Mati (New Zealand White Pine) Trees. An easy 10-minute loop track is an option for those who would like to stretch their legs. A 20-minute drive brings us to Little River.

    30 minutes here

  4. Little River

    A tiny township nestled between steep hillside farmland and native bush. The food, art, and ice cream that are sold here are favourites with Christchurch locals visiting Akaroa. You will have some free time here to admire the local artworks, sample the ice cream or check out the historic railway station. A 30-minute drive over a steep hill brings us into Akaroa Harbour.

    15 minutes here

  5. Akaroa

    Once in Akaroa, you can visit The Giant’s House, a mesmerising mosaic sculpture garden, take time to savour a café lunch and explore the shops, all while soaking in the beauty of this idyllic harbour town.

    180 minutes here

  6. Lyttelton

    Lyttelton is one of the oldest townships in New Zealand and the starting point of Shackton's famous Antarctic expeditions. It boasts the largest and busiest port on the South Island, while the township maintains a quaint local vibe. On Saturdays, the main street hosts a vibrant local market. Depending on your boat's departure time, you may have time to find a souvenir, visit a local cafe, or find a quiet spot to enjoy the view of the Harbour.

    30 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Christchurch

The cruise ship shuttle will stop in Lyttelton at the Norwich Quay bus stop (opposite Independent Provedoring Co, no 20 Norwich Quay) before heading into Christchurch. You will be collected at Norwich Quay bus stop by a white branded car or minivan and your guide will be wearing a branded uniform.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

The cruise ship shuttle will stop in Lyttelton at the Norwich Quay bus stop (opposite Independent Provedoring Co, no 20 Norwich Quay) before heading into Christchurch. You will be collected at Norwich Quay bus stop by a white branded car or minivan and your guide will be wearing a branded uniform.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 8 travelers per booking
Operated by
Adventure by Nature

Know before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Akaroa Small Group TourMorning Tea providedEntry gate to The Giants House Sculpture GardenInside the Giants House Sculpture GardenAkaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) in Christchurch, photo 6Mercedes VL250 used for very small groups

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

3 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Photo opportunities

2 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Knowledge and storytelling

1 mention

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Food and drink

1 mention

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Traveler reviews

3 verified traveler reviews for Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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missy · March 2025

Great way to see a large area

Was a great day seeing all the sites all the way to Akora, lunch stop was super quaint and the 2 girls leading the tour were informative and engaging. The roads are very narrow and windey but our guide did an amazing job navigating them

Response from the operator: Good Morning, Missy. I'm so glad you enjoyed your tour out to Akaroa. Ill pass your comments on to your guide/s Gemma and Michelle.

via Viator

Michael_K · March 2024

Great for scenery.

This is a great trip for seeing the countryside and scenery. Our guide was born and raised in Christchurch and used to visit the area with her father, so she knows it well. We stopped at a cheese shop where we watched curds being separated - that was interesting. Akaroa is a small village with a few shops and eateries. Quaint if that's what your interest is. Altogether a nice day and tour.

Response from the operator: Thanks for the review, Michael

via Viator

Holly_M · March 2024

Beautiful Littleton

Our guide, Jared, was kind and accommodating. The area is stunning and he took us to some wonderful sites.

Response from the operator: Good Morning Holly; I'm glad you enjoyed your time with us. I'll pass your kind words on to your guide, Jared. Thanks for taking the time to post a review; Very much appreciated.

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
6 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$299 to $579
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
1
Verdict
Worth a Look

Who runs this experience

Operated by Adventure by Nature, who run 24 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.5.

See everything Adventure by Nature runs

Why this scores 57

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
Review evidence (18% weight)22
Booking momentum (14% weight)13
Value for money (12% weight)43
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)56
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton): questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.

How much does Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) cost?

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Prices start at $299 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) take?

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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.

Is Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton)?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton)?

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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Akaroa & Giant's House Shore Excursion (Christchurch/Lyttelton) start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Christchurch?

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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Christchurch?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Christchurch?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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