Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand

Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour

Outty Ranking 66 4.4 · 22 traveler reviews7.5 hoursFrom $137
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour worth booking?

Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour is a 7.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $137 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (22)
Duration
7.5 hours
From
$137 per person

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not necessarily relevant to your cruise ships itinerary. Enjoy, both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not necessarily relevant to your cruise ships itinerary. Enjoy, both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

    What's included

    Included

    • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
    • Lunch
    • Driver/guide
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Port pickup and drop-off
    • Wine Tastings

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Lyttelton

      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

    2. Best spot to admire some spectacular views over the City, Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.

      30 minutes here

    3. Mona Vale

      Mona Vale Gardens with its picturesque ponds and water.

      30 minutes here

    4. Christchurch Cathedral

      Christchurch Cathedral damaged by the earthquake and the rebuild that is taking place.

      10 minutes here

    5. Waipara

      will have lunch & tastings at a Waipara Winery followed by tastings at another 2 wineries in the Waipara area

      180 minutes here

    6. Waipara Springs Winery

      The first winery stop on this excursion where you will enjoy an individual platter lunch and wine tasting.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Torlesse Wines

      A second winery stop with a wine tasting included.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Georges Road Wines

      A small boutique winery offering fine quality, award wining wines. Here you will enjoy a tasting of their wines.

      40 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

    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Please note that activity times and schedules can be slightly amended depending on your cruise ships timetable.
    • Photo ID required for tasting wine - passport recommended
    • Please advise if you have any dietary/allergy requirements.

    Photos

    Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, photo 2Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, photo 3Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, photo 4Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, photo 5Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, photo 6Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour in Christchurch, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    22 verified traveler reviews for Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    16
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Laurie_S · April 2026

    Wonderful outing!

    Gary was very accommodating and pkeasant. Was very informative, took us to Sugarloaf for great views. The garden walk was a delight and the wine tasting was tasty and enjoyable. Loved the Christchurch history and tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and thank you for highlighting your guide. A great day had with wine tasting - perfect!

    via Viator

    Melanie_B · March 2026

    The landscapes in New...

    The landscapes in New Zealand are just fabulous and this tour is a great way to see them and enjoy the local wineries. Our tour guide was informative and helpful. It was a beautiful sunny day.

    Response from the operator: Awesome day and awesome review - thank you.

    via Viator

    John_T · February 2026

    Highly recommended tour of Christchurch.

    Excellent tour. Small size and buses made the city tour enjoyable. We visited places and routes the larger cruise ship could not go. Great wineries and wine on the wine tour. Only issue for me was 2 wineries before lunch after a small breakfast. Wine on a nearly empty stomach can be an issue.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review - such good insights regarding wine on a small breakfast!!. So pleased you had a lovely day.

    via Viator

    WilliamT_F · February 2026

    It was great. The guides...

    It was great. The guides were very knowledgeable, insightful, and responsive. The city tour was really informative. The three wineries we experienced were top notch.

    Response from the operator: Great review and thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We enjoy those wineries also!!

    via Viator

    Lynn_C · February 2026

    Great day with Tiana our...

    Great day with Tiana our guide. First a tour thru Christchurch and a beautiful garden then off to 3 wonderful wineries!!! Great day!!! The wineries were the highlight!!!

    Response from the operator: So good that you had such a fabulous day. Sounds like you packed a lot into your day.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $137 to $235
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    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 runs

    Why this scores 66

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)67
    Review evidence (18% weight)51
    Booking momentum (14% weight)43
    Value for money (12% weight)95
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $137 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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour take?

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    Plan for about 7.5 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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 22 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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour?

    +

    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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour?

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    Around 8 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 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine 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?

    +

    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?

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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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour?

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    Included: Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee; Lunch; Driver/guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Port pickup and drop-off. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Christchurch. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour 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 Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour?

    +

    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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: 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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine 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 - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour?

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    Across 22 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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