If you are coming into Lyttelton port by cruise ship and would like a guided walk around the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, with the option of returning to Lyttelton, or being dropped into Christchurch to explore, this is the shore excursion for you. Experience world-class views and enjoy a day's walk with our friendly local guides.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Personal guided walking tour for small groups of up to 10

• Transport from Lyttelton in a 12-seater van (10 mins)

• Return to Lyttelton Port or Christchurch City

• Hot drink at a local beachside cafe

• Light morning tea

• Water bottle to keep

• Gourmet Picnic Lunch

• Walking sticks and a day bag

 

ITINERARY:

After disembarking the ship, you will meet your guide at Norwich Quay in Lyttelton (please note there are free shuttles from the cruise berth to this location). Your guide will then entertain you with the history of Christchurch en route to the nearby seaside suburb of Sumner, where you will enjoy hot drinks overlooking the beach, and Cave Rock. 

 

From here it is a short 10-minute drive to Taylors Mistake Beach, where the walk begins. Visit the Crater Rim surrounding the caldera of the ancient volcano, a WWII coastal defense battery, Scotts Hutt (an Antarctic cabin), and a penguin colony. Take in amazing views of the rugged Pacific coastline stretching across Pegasus Bay to the often snow-covered Southern Alps, Lyttelton harbour, and wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean. 

 

Picnic lunch is provided at Boulder Bay, a picturesque and remote beach accessible only by foot where we often spot seals and dolphins.  The total walking time is approximately 3 hours with a 30-minute stop for lunch. Your guide will give you the option of returning to Lyttelton or being dropped into Christchurch to explore the city (if you choose this option you can then make your own way back to Lyttelton by bus or Uber). You can decide this on the day.​

 

TIME CHANGES:

In the event your cruise ship arrives at or later than 9 am, we will adapt the start time accordingly, please let us know when you book. We often have a later departure time for ships arriving at 10 am.

 

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots (sneakers are fine but they must have good traction on them as the path can be slippery, especially after rain)

• Comfortable clothes depending on the season (shorts/leggings and a t-shirt)

• A warm layer of clothing and a jacket

• Sunblock and a sun hat

• Camera/phone

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CANCELLATION POLICY:

This walk is scheduled 12-months of the year.  On days when the weather or track conditions prevent us from walking, we offer a wet weather alternative, or a refund less an administration fee. We require 48 hours notice for cancellation for bookings of 1 - 4 guests.  For group bookings of 5 or more, we require 7-days notice. If cancellation is made within this time frame you will receive a full refund. If the ship is not able to port in Lyttelton, and it is less than 48 hours before the start of the walk, you will receive a refund less a 25%  administration fee.

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CATERING:

We are happy to cater for special dietary requirements, let us know when you book. For lunch we generally provide roast vegetable frittata and coleslaw, if you have any specific requests please let us know in advance.

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SINGLE BOOKINGS:

Our walks have a minimum number of two guests, however once we have a  booking confirmed we can add individuals. Please contact us by email with the date and time you require and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you would like to guarantee your walk, you can book for two people, and we will refund you for the second person if we get another booking.

 

PRIVATE GUIDED WALKS:

This Lyttelton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion is a small group walk for up to 10 people. If you prefer to have your own guide for the day so you can adapt the time and location to suit, and take the day at your own pace, please book our Luxury Guided Walk.

 

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