Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Antarctic Centre
See Christchurch's earthquake rebuild and Antarctic wildlife in one morning
This 6.5-hour shore excursion from Lyttelton pairs a guided city tour of Christchurch with a full visit to the International Antarctic Centre. You'll walk through Mona Vale Gardens and Cathedral Square, then spend the afternoon encountering Blue Penguins, experiencing the Snow and Ice room, watching a 4-D film, and riding an all-terrain Hagglund vehicle across a purpose-built course. An English-speaking guide leads the whole day in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a lunch break built in.
Step-by-step itinerary
Christchurch city tour and Antarctic Center
- Start tour in Lyttelton
- Travel with Leisure Tours
- Admire views over city and Southern Alps
- Walk through Mona Vale Gardens
- Explore Cathedral Square on foot
- Lunch break
- Visit International Antarctic Centre
- Experience Snow and Ice room
- See Blue Penguin Encounter
- Ride all-terrain Hagglund vehicle
- End tour in Lyttelton
- Mona Vale 30m
- International Antarctic Centre Entry included 2h
What’s included
- English-speaking guide and driver.
- air-conditioned vehicle with live commentary throughout.
- entry to the International Antarctic Centre including the Blue Penguin Encounter, Snow and Ice Experience, 4-D movie and Hagglund ride.
- walking time in Mona Vale Gardens and Cathedral Square.
- a lunch break.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Leisure Tours
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour departs and returns to Lyttelton, so timing aligns with your ship's schedule. Leisure Tours handles the driving and narration, taking you first to a viewpoint overlooking the city, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. From there you move into Mona Vale Gardens, where you walk among the ponds, river and landscaped grounds at your own pace before heading to Cathedral Square to explore the city center on foot.
After lunch, the focus shifts to the International Antarctic Centre. You'll encounter the live Blue Penguins in their habitat, step into the Snow and Ice Experience room, and watch the 4-D movie. The day's signature moment is the Hagglund ride: an exhilarating drive in an all-terrain vehicle across a purpose-made course that gives you a feel for Antarctic exploration without leaving Christchurch. The guide provides live commentary throughout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort during the city portions.
The itinerary weaves together Christchurch's recovery from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes with the city's remaining historic landmarks and green spaces. This arrangement means you see both the rebuild underway and what the city looked like before, all in a single outing that doesn't require you to arrange separate transport or entry to either attraction.
Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked in Christchurch and need to return by a set time. The itinerary syncs with cruise schedules, whereas a self-guided visit gives you flexibility to linger at the Antarctic Centre or around the city.
Compare the 8 alternatives
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3).
What exactly is the Blue Penguin Encounter at the Antarctic Centre?
The International Antarctic Centre's Blue Penguin Encounter lets you see the little Blue Penguins in their habitat: the smallest penguin species, native to New Zealand waters. They're on display as part of the centre's Antarctic wildlife exhibits.
How long do we spend walking in Mona Vale Gardens?
The itinerary includes dedicated time to walk through Mona Vale Gardens at your own pace, exploring the ponds, river and landscaped grounds. The exact duration depends on your group's pace, but it's a substantial portion of the city tour portion of the day.
Is the Hagglund ride included in the tour price, or is it an extra cost?
The Hagglund ride over the purpose-made course is included as part of your visit to the International Antarctic Centre. No additional fee is charged for this experience.
What happens if the weather is bad? Does the tour still run?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for Christchurch's weather on the day you travel. The vehicle is air-conditioned during city portions, and you'll be outdoors during the Mona Vale walk and Hagglund ride.
What's included in the tour price?
The tour includes the English-speaking driver and guide, air-conditioned transport, live commentary, entry to the International Antarctic Centre with all its attractions (Blue Penguin Encounter, Snow and Ice room, 4-D movie, and Hagglund ride), and a lunch break. Food and drinks during the break, and gratuities, are not included.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Antarctic Centre
6h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from NZ$ 195 per person
≈ US$ 112 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.