🚢Cruise Port Guide to Christchurch, New Zealand
Welcome to Christchurch!
Table of Contents:
* Christchurch Information
* Christchurch Weather
* Lyttelton Cruise Terminal
* How to Get to Christchurch from Lyttelton Cruise Port
* Best Christchurch Cruise Port Tours
* Getting Around Christchurch
* Exploring Christchurch on Foot
* Iconic Christchurch Experiences for First-Time Visitors
* Christchurch for Adventure Lovers
* Christchurch's Best Art Galleries and Museums
* Nature and Outdoor Activities in Christchurch
* Fun Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids
* Popular Day trips - Sumner and North Canterbury
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Christchurch
* Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Christchurch
Christchurch Information
Christchurch's Māori Name:
Ōtautahi ((oar-toe-ta-he) is the Māori name for Christchurch and translates to "lanthe place of Tautahi"
Population:
Christchurch has a population of close to 400K people, making it the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand.
History:
Christchurch, originally inhabited by the Ngāi Tahu Māori, was settled by Europeans in the 1850s, becoming New Zealand's first city in 1856. After being heavily damaged by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the city has been rebuilt and continues to grow while blending its history with modern development.
Geography:
Christchurch is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, on the flat Canterbury Plains, with the Southern Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The nearby Banks Peninsula was formed by ancient volcanic activity, giving it a unique, hilly landscape.
Currency:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Most places accept credit cards.
Language:
English is the primary language in New Zealand, but Māori is also an official language, and you'll encounter plenty of Māori place names and cultural references throughout the city.
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) and observes daylight saving time.
Emergency Services:
The emergency services number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Tipping:
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but appreciated for exceptional service.
Christchurch Weather
Prepare for changing weather, as Christchurch can experience four seasons in one day.
Lyttelton Cruise Terminal
Lyttelton is the main port for Christchurch, located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the city center. It’s a small, scenic port town nestled in a harbor surrounded by hills.
How to Get to Christchurch from Lyttelton Cruise Port
* Shuttle from Lyttelton Port
There is a free shuttle bus service directly from the port to Lyttelton.
There is a shuttle bus service directly from the port to the heart of Christchurch for the approx 20–30 minute journey for a small charge.
* Uber and Taxis
https://www.bluestartaxis.org.nz/cruise-ships
https://www.corporatecabs.co.nz/christchurch-taxi
* Bus Transport - Bus #8
Bus #8 connects Lyttelton Centre to the airport via the city. You will need to take the free shuttle to Lyttelton to take this bus. Great if you want to visit the Antarctic Centre or Gondola as well as the city.
* Ferries
A regular ferry connects Lyttelton with Diamond Harbour. It takes about 10 minutes. There are a couple of shops and places to get a drink or food. The views are great and there are many walking trails.
Tours from the Cruise Port
When you dock in Lyttelton, you are 20 minutes from Christchurch City Centre so booking a cruise excursion directly from the port will saves time and be a convenient way to get around.
Getting Around
* Christchurch Sightseeing Pass
This includes an all-day tram ticket valid for one day, a 30-minute punt ride ticket and return gondola ticket.
* Christchurch Tram
The tram is a convenient hop-on, hop-off service, so you can explore Christchurch at your own pace. The conductors provide knowledgeable commentary. The round circuit is approx. 50 mins.
* Punting on the Avon
This is very relaxing and peaceful way of getting to see Christchurch from the water. The punters are very knowledgeable and it's a very quintessential Christchurch experience!
* Small Group Walking Tour
Join Amiki for a walk around Christchurch, discovering its lesser-known places, local history, and delicious food and drinks.
Exploring Christchurch on Foot
* The Arts Centre
* New Regent Street
* Riverside Market
* Cashel Street
Iconic Christchurch Experiences for First-Time Visitors
* Christchurch Gondola
Perched at the top of the Port Hills, the Christchurch Gondola offers 360-degree panoramic view of the city, Southern Alps, Pacific Ocean and Lyttelton Harbour (and your cruise ship). It can get busy on cruise days so it might be better to visit in the afternoon.
* International Antarctic Centre
Here you can experience Antarctic conditions with a -18°C simulated Antarctic Storm, engage with interactive exhibits including a 4D Theatre experience, ride the Antarctic Hägglund, and get up close with Little Blue Penguins and more!
* Cardboard Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral is a temporary Cathedral in Christchurch, designed by renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and is the only Cathedral in the world made primarily of cardboard!
Christchurch for Adventure Lovers
* Christchurch Adventure Park
If you're an outdoor adventurist, you'll love this park. Here you'll find New Zealand's longest zipline with great views, a network of mountain bike trails, and hiking tracks. If you walk up then you can take the chairlift down for free!
Art Galleries and Museums
* Christchurch Art Gallery
The building's architecture are as stunning as the artwork inside. It's free to visit and there is a cafe and great gift shop.
* Canterbury Museum at CoCA
Canterbury Museum is currently closed until 2028 while it is strengthened and restored but has pop-up temporary exhibitions at CoCA Gallery
* Air Force Museum of New Zealand
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is the national museum for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and New Zealand military aviation, located on the former air base at Wigram. Entry is free.
* Quake City
Quake City is a special exhibition from Canterbury Museum. It offers many hands-on fun interactive displays to better understand the science behind earthquakes and tells stories from the Canterbury earthquake.
Nature and Outdoor Activities in Christchurch
* Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Gardens were established in 1863 with the planting of an English oak tree to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The Gardens cover 21 hectares and are home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world.
* Hagley Park
At 165 hectares, Christchurch's Hagley Park is actually larger than London's famous Hyde Park. You can experience the green spaces, stroll along the Avon River, and explore the nearby Botanic Gardens, which are especially stunning in spring and summer.
Fun Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids
* Margaret Mahy Family Playground
The playground is named for Margaret Mahy, New Zealand's famous children's author. It's one of the largest playgrounds in New Zealand. There a food trucks here and it's a great space to spend a few hours!
* Botanic Gardens Playground
Within the Christchurch Botanic Gardens there is another playground with a splash pool. There is also a kiosk where you can buy ice-cream.
* Tūranga Library
On the first floor of Tūranga Library you'll find a range of interactive and creative spaces, including Imagination Station, where kids can build lego, and there is even a slide. On the fourth floor you can get great views from the terrace and the computers are free to use.
Popular Day trips - Sumner and North Canterbury
* Sumner Beach
Sumner Beach is a favourite weekend destination for locals. There's lots of cafes, bars and restaurants, including one right on the beach itself!
* Waipara Valley
Located 50 kilometers north of Christchurch, the valley is famous for its vineyards and wineries, producing high-quality wines. There are a range of winery tours, wine tastings, and fine dining at local vineyards cellar doors.
Other Useful Information
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Christchurch
Christchurch Free Wi-Fi provides free connectivity for locals and visitors whenever they visit the central city.
To connect, select Christchurch Free on your device, review the Terms & Conditions, and then select Get Online. It’s that easy! You don’t need to provide any details to connect.
* Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Was this guide helpful?
Hopefully, this guide saves you hours of planning and helps you make the most of your visit to Christchurch!
If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out.
Happy cruising to Christchurch!
Anna @ New Zealand Cruises
For more information:
The home for unique & authentic travel
