Combo Tour - Christchurch City and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Don't Port,
Don't Pay Security
Back-to-Ship
Guarantee
Hassle-free
Cancellation
7.5 hours (approx.)
Shared Tour
Overview
Meet your guide and board your transportation for a wonderful introduction to the region. Depart Lyttelton and travel via the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay and then via Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi. Dyers Pass climbs up the old volcanic crater wall to the summit and from the Sign of the Kiwi there are wonderful views of both the Harbor and the city of Christchurch. The tour will then arrive at the Sign of the Takahe, a Scottish like castle which has a viewing platform providing magnificent views over the City of Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps which are snowcapped for up to 9 months of the year. Access to the viewing platform is via a gentle 5-minute walk. You will then depart the Sign of the Tahake for Mona Vale, a stately home and magnificent gardens.
Arriving at the front gate house of Mona Vale, enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds, following the Avon River which acts as one of the properties boundaries. Your coach will travel to the rear gate house where your tour guide will meet you. Back onboard travel onwards to the central city of Christchurch which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. Your guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild which has and is taking place. The central city tour will conclude in Cathedral Square where you will be given time to explore this central part of the city on foot. There are some great photo opportunities in this area and time for some lunch.
Leave the city centre behind and journey to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where a wonderful, guided tour of the reserve has been arranged. Discover some of the species that make up the totally unique native wildlife and flora. You will see some of our most endangered species, including Kiwi and learn about what is being done to preserve them. From here you return to Lyttelton via the Eastern Suburbs, the estuary and finally the beautiful beach suburb of Sumner with its sand and surf beaches and the Pacific Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. From Sumner, you will return to Lyttelton via Evans Pass which was closed for more than 7 years following the Christchurch earthquake of 2011 due to cliff collapse. Evans Pass will provide you with fantastic views of the harbor heads and the southern bays. A stop will be made at a viewing platform on the harbor side of Evans Pass which overlooks the ports container and coal terminals and affords great views of both the harbor and the historic Timeball station.
At the end, your tour returns you to Lyttelton township where your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.
What's Included
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Round trip transportation from port shuttle
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English speaking guide
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Dyers Pass and the Sign of the Kiwi
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Christchurch sights
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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
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Guided tour of the Reserve
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Evans Pass and viewing platform
Considerations
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Food and Beverages are not included.
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This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests.
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Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day.
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Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash.
Special Instructions
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As the weather in New Zealand is very changeable, dress in layers (these can be left in the vehicle if not required) and wear comfortable footwear.
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Guests must be able to board and alight the tour vehicle without assistance.
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Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Instructions Will Be Provided On Your Voucher.
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