Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour worth booking?
Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour is a 6.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $900 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $900 per person
This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery onto some of the smaller, less traveled roads to
What you get
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery onto some of the smaller, less traveled roads to some uniquely scenic places. With approximately 6 hours 30 min from start to finish we will spend about 5 hours 30 min exploring points of interest etc. and an hour driving from point to point on the itinerary. We are happy to customise your tour to include attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre or Willowbank Wildlife Park (cost extra) , etc. We are locals and give an in-depth commentary covering the volcanoes, NZ and local history, earthquakes etc. and have been proudly sharing our back yard with visitors for over 25 years.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Christchurch Cathedral
We stop here and stroll around the city centre, enjoying the Avon River (more English than England it is said), newly designed architectural precincts and historic buildings.....time for lunch at the Riverside Market or The Boatshed Cafe on The Avon River perhaps and shopping ( stalls, souvenir shops, pharmacies etc.)...the Cathedral is currently being rebuilt with a completion date around 2027.
60 minutes here
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
A stroll in the gardens and nearby Arts Centre (old University of Canterbury) is an option. Canterbury Museum and Christs College are some of the historic Gothic buildings nearby.
30 minutes here
Cardboard Cathedral
This is part of our Central City/Earthquake and History story.....this interesting building was designed by Shigeru Ban, a Japanese disaster architect as a temporary cathedral while the old historic Cathedral is being rebuilt....look for the nearly 100 cardboard construction tubes that hold the roof up and the shipping containers cleverly disguised in the walls. Great acoustics and design work.
15 minutes here
Port Hills
An ancient volcanic crater....The Summit Road follows the ridge or the volcanic rim at about 1500 ft/500 m. above sea level with views to the Southern Alps 50 miles away across the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour with its beautifully coloured water on the other side (weather dependent).
30 minutes here
Lyttelton
Lyttelton was the first settlement in the area after settlers first arrived in 1850...we talk about its long colonial and Maori history and some of its colourful inhabitants....the artists, prisoners, sailors and subpolar explorers to name a few. Points of interest include the Timeball Station, Lyttelton Tunnel and the fabulous views from this village built on the slopes of an ancient 10 million year old volcano.
30 minutes here
Look down from the Port Hills on the garden city of Christchurch some 500 m below sitting on the flat Canterbury Plains stretching North, South and East....some of the best arable land on earth boasting world record yields of wheat and barley as well as seed production, dairy and sheep farming, vinyards etc.(weather dependent). The Southern Alps will be visible on most days with some snow most months of the year stretching far to the horizons.
15 minutes here
Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
Visit this lovely relaxed Pacific Ocean beach suburb for a nice contrast to the city and hills....Cave Rock is large and of volcanic origin with a hole through it....an option is a stroll down the beach promenade to a cafe/icecream shop under a Victorian clock tower (try NZ's unique hokey pokey icecream perhaps). Driving up Evans Pass behind Sumner rewards us with stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour.
30 minutes here
International Antarctic Centre
OPTION : A 1.5-2 hour visit (own cost) is a popular stop and usually includes a 4D movie, Haglund ride (not for those with back issues), a storm room, Little Blue Penguins, Husky Dogs and lots of interesting movies and media about Antractica and Christchurch's role as the gateway to Antarctica for icebreakers and aircraft heading for the scientific bases there. Cafe available.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- E S Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Was able to see it all, almost
Great tour and guide. Pointed out interesting things along the way. Gave us time to get out and see great views and the new and old cathedrals. Great place to stop for lunch.
Response from the operator: Many thanks for taking the time to do a review ! Glad you enjoyed the tour ! Occassionally the cloud base and tops of the Port Hills meet so the view can be interupted at 1500 ft but 90% of the time it is clear up there. Hopefully within 6 months to a year or so the borders will open and we are all keen at this end to show more visitors New Zealand.....very grateful you booked with us....always appreciated for a small tour business such as mine.
via Viator
Great trip
Dermot was terrific and very knowledgeable and interesting. Easy to listen to. Highly recommend any trip with him. Doug
Response from the operator: Hi Doug, happy you enjoyed my tour and thanks for the thoughtful review !
via Viator
Unique Experience
Dermot Hall took us on a day tour around the city of Christchurch and Akaroa. Dermot was very knowledgable about the area and gave us terrific insight on the Christchurch earthquakes of 2011. This tour was one of the best highlights of our experience on the Carnival Spirit. The tour was well priced, and provided us a wonderful experience.
Response from the operator: I am happy that you found my tour both good value and informative ! Safe travels, Dermot
via Tripadvisor
Great Day Tour of Christchurch from Akaroa
Dermot Hall was at the wharf in Akaroa to meet us off the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship. December 2019 His full day tour with loads of information and stories was so very interesting. The mini bus was very comfortable and the stops along the way for pictures were fantastic. Dermot knowledge and information is of wide interests. The help of where to find things in Christchurch was much appreciated and his stories and pictures of the 2011 earthquake were sometimes of personal encounters, plenty of facts and figures and all with passion. Thank You Dermot, your tour is a great way to explore the region. Good value as well. Carol, Barry, Pauline & Dennis
Response from the operator: Many thanks for taking the time to write a review ! It was a pleasure showing you Christchurch and Banks Peninsula....safe travels, Dermot
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful
We were blessed with good weather so we were able to travel to the summit between Akaroa and Christchurch. Dermatologist was a terrific guide, kept up and informative narration all the was to Christchurch. Our stops were well timed, just the right amount of time allowed. I you don’t take this tour you will regret it.
Response from the operator: Many thanks for taking the time to do a review......it was my pleasure showing you the area !
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $900 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 Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day 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 Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day 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 Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day 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 Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour?
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Around 2 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 Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day 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, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier 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.
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