
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 38 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating worth booking?
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating is a 6.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $143 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 38 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (38)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $143 per person
Enjoy a 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. Then enjoy A rare opportunity to Jet Boat on the Waimakariri River, a fast flowing shallow braided river where you will experience jet boating at its very best.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a 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. Then enjoy A rare opportunity to Jet Boat on the Waimakariri River, a fast flowing shallow braided river where you will experience jet boating at its very best.
What's included
Included
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Jet-boat ride
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Port pick up and drop off
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Leisure Tours
The default start time is 8.30am or up to 1 hour after your ship commences disembarkation, depending on what time your ship docks.
30 minutes here
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
20 minutes here
Lunch Break
30 minutes here
Jet Boating on the Waimakariri River - 30 minute exhilarating ride
60 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
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Life-vests and splash-proof jackets provided on jet-boat
- 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
- Not suitable for child aged 2 and under
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 38 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
38 verified traveler reviews for Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Christchurch shore excursion
Great shore excursion that allowed private time in Christchurch and really enjoyed the jet boat tour.
Response from the operator: Great review - received with thanks.
via Viator
Christchurch tour... or earthquake tour?
Was a lovely tour and jet boat experience. We had Joseph as our guide and he told us lots of stories especially about the earthquakes and aftermath. It felt a bit too much like an earthquake tour with him describing almost every other building that had fallen or was abandoned. The jet boat was good fun, not too high speeds with a few turns
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and your comments and noted.
via Viator
Full Throttle Fun
Very cool experience. My heart was racing after we got finished. Must do experience and our guide Scottie was fantastic!
Response from the operator: When you have scotty at the wheel there is a lot to take in. He does his best to ensure a full on fullfilling tour.
via Viator
Christchurch overview, gardens, football & jet boat ride.
We were docked at Littleton on a cruise and they picked us up from the free shuttle and brought us back in a timely fashion. They ended up putting several ventures together so we went for a walk in the free BEAUTIFUL gardens then the food hall downtown & also drove around town learning a lot about Christchurch and their devastating earthquakes from our guide. Then we dropped people off at the Antarctica Experience & the zoo and the rest of us went to the river and had our 30 minute jet boat ride. The driver was great. It was a lot of fun and then we went back and picked up the other passengers from their events and returned back.
Response from the operator: Great review and comments - sounds like you packed a lot in to your day excursion which is fabulous. Informative, fun and timing was not an issue - perfect!
via Viator
Great trip and informative guide.
A great trip with our guide Greg who was super informative and interesting. We started out with panoramic views over Christchurch to understand the layout of the city, followed by a walk around the Mona Vale Gardens which were stunning. There a tour around the city centre seeing a lot of the sights finishing up with lunch at the Riverside area. Finally, the jet boat ride which was great fun with our driver explaining how the river impacts on the city.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your comments and so pleased you had a great time exploring our city - topped off with jet boat thrills. A great day all round!
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
- $143 to $245
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- 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 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating cost?
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Prices start at $143 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 Jet Boating 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 Jet Boating worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 38 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 Jet Boating?
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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 Jet Boating 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 Jet Boating?
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Around 13 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 Jet Boating 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 Jet Boating?
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Included: Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee; Jet-boat ride; Driver/guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Port pick up and drop off. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating 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 Jet Boating 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 Jet Boating?
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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 Jet Boating wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating 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 Jet Boating?
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Across 38 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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