
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 218 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center worth booking?
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center is a 6.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $114 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 218 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (218)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $114 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Lyttelton Harbour
Tour starts and ends in Lyttelton
10 minutes here
Leisure Tours
Travelling with Leisure Tours
Pass by without stopping
Best spot to admire some spectacular views over the City, Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.
30 minutes here
Mona Vale
Time spent walking through Mona Vale Gardens with its picturesque Gardens, Ponds & river.
30 minutes here
Cathedral Square
Time spent on foot exploring Cathedral Square
30 minutes here
Lunch break
30 minutes here
International Antarctic Centre
Enjoy the center’s Snow and Ice Experience, Blue Penguin Encounter and take an exhilarating ride in an all-terrain Hagglund vehicle.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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
- Leisure 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
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 217 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
217 verified traveler reviews for Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Although Christchurch is...
Although Christchurch is a small city, it has a nice downtown area that can be explored. The Antartica expeirence is amazing. It provided us a good understanding about survival in Antartica.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review - we also love the Antarctica experience. Very very cool!!
via Viator
We had a wonderful day...
We had a wonderful day touring Christchurch & the International Arctic Center. Our guide, Scotty was great and very knowledgeable! Would definitely recommend this trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and kind comments of Scotty. One of our most popular tours.
via Viator
Beautiful
Drive was very beautiful. Guide was very knowledgeable about the towns. The driver made the trip very interesting.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and comments - much appreciated.
via Viator
Fantastic time!
We had a wonderful time! Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Great communication for where to meet when getting off the ship. Would highly recommend!
Response from the operator: brilliant review and great comments. Our job is to make it as streamlined as possible for you to enjoy a fab day!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience - highly recommend
Very good experience and a very professionally run company. Perfect from start to finish and I think Scotty is the best guide I've ever had anywhere, informative, funny and kept us on time all day. The sights visited were good and the Antarctic Centre is very good
Response from the operator: Brilliant review of the tour and of Scotty - who we are very proud of. It does make a difference when you have someone who cares and is passionate.
via Viator
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
- $114 to $195
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 76
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Leisure Tours, who run 33 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.6.
See everything Leisure Tours runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center cost?
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Prices start at $114 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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center take?
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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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 218 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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center?
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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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center suitable for kids and families?
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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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center?
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Around 76 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 6.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center 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, 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?
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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.
What is included in Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center?
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Included: Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee; Driver/guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Christchurch. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center offered in?
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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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center?
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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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Christchurch. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center?
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Across 218 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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