
Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) worth booking?
Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) is a 6.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $756 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $756 per person
Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline across Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, offering a unique perspective of the region's stunning natural beauty. Along the way, discover the stories and heritage that have shaped the city, with fascinating local commentary and excellent photo opportunities. This tour includes a stop at our favourite Greenstone Shop, where you will get a short behind the scenes tour with a professional carver and learn about New Zealand pounamu (greenstone) and how it is made. You will also have time to browse these authentic carvings in the shop. A perfect introduction to Christchurch, combining the city's highlights, culture, and spectacular scenery in one memorable experience. Join your local and knowledgable guide and feel good supporting a small local family owned business.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline across Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, offering a unique perspective of the region's stunning natural beauty. Along the way, discover the stories and heritage that have shaped the city, with fascinating local commentary and excellent photo opportunities. This tour includes a stop at our favourite Greenstone Shop, where you will get a short behind the scenes tour with a professional carver and learn about New Zealand pounamu (greenstone) and how it is made. You will also have time to browse these authentic carvings in the shop. A perfect introduction to Christchurch, combining the city's highlights, culture, and spectacular scenery in one memorable experience. Join your local and knowledgable guide and feel good supporting a small local family owned business.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Lyttelton Harbour
Travel around the beautiful torquoise bays of Lyttelton Harbour learning about the Maori and Eurpean history.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Port Hills
Enjoy stunning panoramic views at the top of the Port Hills with views looking down at Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch City.
30 minutes here
Christchurch
Be amazed at the history of the city with an informative guided walking OR driving tour of Christchurch.
60 minutes here
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Visit the best gradens in Christchurch. See the beautiful Peacock Fountain, giant trees and imaculate flower beds.
15 minutes here
Christchurch
Lunch time at Riverside Market or another great spot that suits your needs!
60 minutes here
Cardboard Cathedral
Enter into the unique Cardboard Cathedral, a sybmbol of inovation.
15 minutes here
Christchurch
Visit and learn about Christchurch's bizzare and interesting 'Red Zone'. A large area of suburbia abandoned after the 2011 earthquake. If time permits, we have the option to finish with a stop at Sumner beach before heading back to your drop off spot.
15 minutes here
Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
Walk the beach and enjoy an ice cream at Christchruch's coolest beach town, Sumner.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Green Kiwi Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day tour.
We had a great guide for the day-Simon. We saw so many cool places in Christchurch that we would have missed on our own. The botanical gardens were beautiful. Definitely recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Hi Cathy and thank for taking the time to leave your feedback. Im happy you enjoyed the tour. I had a great day with you all too. All the best to you all!
via Viator
Best Christchurch Tour
Simon was on top of it from the first e mail on. He was so flexible working out a tour that saw some of the countryside and then also part of the city. He dealt well with all of us-especially myself who had been motion sick for several days. Gorgeous scenery, Good driving and time management. Wonderful microphone so we could all hear. Thank you Simon
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review Terry! Between Castle Hill, The Port Hills and Christchurch City it was a great day out. Thanks to your group for the positive spirit and great sense of humour! Safe travels onwards.
via Tripadvisor
Chistchurch Private Tour, the Simone way!
We were a group of nine friends. Simone picked us up at the cruise terminal (we were passengers of the Princess Royal Cruise). He toured us along the island's outskirts, offering breathtaking views of the island. What a magnificent geographic feature Christchurch has. Simone is awesome. He is super friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him and his tour company, Green Kiwi Tours.
Response from the operator: Hello, and thanks for your very kind review. I had a great time showing you all around. We hope to welcome you again!
via Tripadvisor
A Must-Do Tour in Christchurch!
If you’re looking for the perfect way to explore Christchurch and its breathtaking surroundings, look no further than the Christchurch Highlights Tour by Green Kiwi Tours. From start to finish, this tour was an unforgettable experience, made even better by our amazing guide, Simon. He went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome, comfortable, and fully immersed in the sights and stories of the city. We loved the scenic drive around Lyttelton Harbour, taking in breathtaking coastal views. One of my favorite unexpected moments was enjoying a coffee at the historic Sign of the Kiwi Café, where we soaked in the views and atmosphere. As we explored key landmarks, including the fascinating Red Zone, which tells the story of the city’s resilience after the earthquake, we gained incredible insights into Christchurch’s past and present. We even popped over to Sumner Beach, where we explored the charming town and its historic sites. On top of all that, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off made the tour seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-time visitor (like us) or a returning traveler, this tour offers an unbeatable way to experience Christchurch. A huge thank you to Simon for making this adventure so special! If you’re considering a guided tour of Christchurch, don’t hesitate, book this tour and hope you get Simon as your guide but we are certain the other tour guides are just as wonderdul. You won’t regret it!
Response from the operator: Hi Whil and thank you so much for your kind and comprehensive review! It is very much appreciated! It was an absolute pleasure showing you both around for the day. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip. Would love to catch up if you end up back in Christchurch. Thanks again.
via Viator
Dancing under the star! Amazing views of Christchurch.
Simon our tour guide was amazing. He took us to all the best places to see amazing views. We were dancing in town where there was a dance flat form. It was an amazing trip. Our full day excursion in Christchurch was a blast.
Response from the operator: Hello and thanks for taking the time to review us! You guys ripped up that dance floor with those slick zumba moves! It was a pleasure showing you around. Safe travels.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $756 to $1,299
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Green Kiwi Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.5.
See everything Green Kiwi Tours runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) cost?
+
Prices start at $756 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 Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) take?
+
Plan for about 6.5 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 Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)?
+
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 Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)?
+
Around 4 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?
+
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 6.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
What is included in Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)?
+
Included: Private transportation; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Christchurch. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion) if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)?
+
Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion).
Pick your date




