Akaroa – Christchurch City Sights with Willowbank LT66ACS

A shore excursion that combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and the city of Christchurch with guided tour of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This tour departs from the port of Akaroa and travels via the Akaroa Highway with breathtaking scenery of Akaroa Harbour, Little River, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.

On arriving in Christchurch and following a stop at the botanical gardens, join us on a brief sightseeing tour highlighting the city landmarks and the city centre which was badly damaged due to two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. See for yourself both the destruction of the central city and the rebuild that is taking place.

The tour then moves on to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. You will be given entry to the Wildlife Reserve and a guided tour of the reserves ‘Natural New Zealand’. Your guide will show you some of the species that make up our totally unique native wildlife, our flora, and our culture. You will also see some of our most endangered species, including the iconic kiwi, and learn about the work being done to preserve them.

• 10.30: Depart Akaroa for Christchurch, travelling via the Akaroa Highway with breathtaking scenery of Akaroa Harbour, Little River, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.
• 12.00: Arrive at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens where you will have some time to explore.
• 12.30: Depart the Botanical Gardens for a Christchurch City tour highlighting city landmarks and the rebuild of city centre after the 2011 Earthquake.
• 13.15: Arrive at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (Entrance to the park and a Guided Kiwi Tour included)
• 15.00: Depart from Christchurch for Akaroa.
• 16.30: Arrive at Akaroa to reboard your ship.

This tour from Akaroa to Christchurch is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers.

Our coaches depart Akaroa at 10.30am and departs Christchurch at 3.00pm returning to Akaroa by 4.30pm. This will ensure you arrive at the cruise ship before departure.