Christchurch Sightseeing Tour LT-19

Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic view points on a half-day city tour of Christchurch.

Morning and Afternoon departures available. The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The 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 taking place. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.

Tour Duration 3 hours

Should you wish you can upgrade your morning sightseeing tour to include admission to the International Antarctic Centre.  This features a recreation of the atmosphere of Antarctica with a snow and ice experience, the blue penguin encounter, a 4-D Movie experience and an exhilarating Hagglund ride. The Penguins held here are birds that have been rescued and cared for, some since they were chicks. Due to physical disabilities that have left them defenceless, many of them would not have survived on their own back in the wild. Transfers to and from the central city to the International Antarctic Centre are included. You will arrive at the International Antarctic Centre at approximately 12.30 pm and can return to the central city at your leisure, either at 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm or 4.30. Tour LT-19IAH

Highlights

• Central Christchurch including the badly earthquake damaged city centre with full commentary on the impact of the earthquakes and the rebuild that is in progress
• Christchurch Botanical Gardens,
• Mona Vale House and Gardens
• Sign of the Takahe with magnificent view over the entire city from the coastline to the mountains
• Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour
• Sumner Beach and township
• Stops for photo opportunities at all the key destinations
• Admission to the International Antarctic Centre (Upgrade option only)
• Antarctic Storm, Blue Penguin Encounter, 4-D Movie & Hagglund Ride (Upgrade Option only)

The tours option departs at 09.00 am (morning tour) 0r 1.30 pm (afternoon tour). Upgrade Option available on the morning tour only. Complimentary hotel / motel pickup and drop offs