
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 90 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour worth booking?
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour is a 6.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $99 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 90 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (90)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $99 per person
Combine 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 together with admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve with a fully guided tour of the reserve including Kiwi viewing.
What you get
About this experience
Combine 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 together with admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve with a fully guided tour of the reserve including Kiwi viewing.
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
The default start time is 8.30am or up to 1 hour after your ship commences disembarkation, depending on what time your ship docks.
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
Time spent on foot exploring Cathedral Square
30 minutes here
Lunch Break
30 minutes here
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Meet the elusive kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, along with exotic visitors including deer, wallabies, otters, gibbons and lemurs.
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 90 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
90 verified traveler reviews for Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Didn’t see the wallabies
The Willowbank part was misleading. It was advertised visiting farm too. And that didn’t happen. I didn’t see the wallabies. Didn’t see kiwi either.
Response from the operator: Oh dear that's a shame you didn't see the wallabies or the Kiwi. They are in abundance in their various enclosures and generally very easy to see.
via Viator
Christchurch tour with Joseph. What a great day.
Our driver Joseph was a born and bred local with a wealth of knowledge to share about Christchurch and the surrounding areas. In particular Joseph told us in depth about the devastating earthquake 15 years ago which destroyed his house as well as so much of Christchurch. He was very friendly and made our day with him pleasant and memorable. Highly recommended tour and driver.
Response from the operator: Great review and great comments about Joseph - pleased you had a fabulous day.
via Viator
Viator tour of Lyttelton and Christchurch
If you have a choice, Joseph was an excellent guide. We stopped at an old wagon stop out of Lyttelton and if you enjoy old buildings this one will delight you. The stop at Mona Vale park was fun and we liked the walk along the river. Following this, Joseph stoped at a downtown collection of restaurants, called the Riverside Market. There were many choices in this food court area. The Barbecue was quite good. We stopped at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and took the 45 minute guided tour which was included on the tour. If you haven't seen a kiwi bitd you will see one here. Our guide was a Wildlife Environmental Biologist and knowledgeable. The time here was well spent. Joseph took us back through the highway tunnel and got us back on time at the cruise ship. It was somewhat confusing as to where to meet the tour. You take the free shuttle from the cruise ship dock and get off at the first stop. You will be met by the tour representative who will assist you to the correct bus. Don't get on the bus to Christchurch, that is the wrong shuttle to meet the correct bus.
Response from the operator: Great comments in this review - yes we make sure we are highly visible when you get off the ship's shuttle to ensure you do not miss us. We have not lost anyone yet!! Thank you for highlighting Joseph.
via Viator
Experience the beauty & history of Christchurch
Wonderful experience. Joseph was an outstanding guide with a wide range of knowledge and a great sense of humor. He knows his city! We enjoyed the variety of the visits and the chance to see what Christchurch has to offer. 5 star rating for Joseph
Response from the operator: Great review and great feedback of Joseph - appreciate your comments and will ensure this gets passed onto Joseph.
via Viator
Willowbank, a beautiful wildlife reserve
Joseph was a wonderful guide and driver for us, providing many insights into the effects of the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, and how the city rebuilt itself. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a superb place to meet and learn about many animals and birds, including a viewing of the kiwi. We could have done with more time there. The bus was quite cold, especially as the temperature outside was also quite cold.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and your comments re A/C are noted. Willowbank is a lovely place to visit and spend time with the animals. So pleased you had a great day.
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
- $99 to $170
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- 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 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour cost?
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Prices start at $99 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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 90 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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour?
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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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour?
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Around 31 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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour?
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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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour?
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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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour 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 & Willowbank Tour?
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Across 90 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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