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Christchurch Tram
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch Tram

7.4
4.7/5
74 reviews
The Christchurch Tram is a retro-style sightseeing tram route that loops around the city center. Christchurch had trams running through its streets as early as the late 19th century. After tram services ceased in the 1950s, a fleet of meticulously restored vintage carriages returned to the tracks in the 1990s. With their wooden interiors, brass handrails, and the crisp "ding-ding" of bells, riding one feels like stepping onto a time machine. The full loop around the city center takes less than an hour, with over ten stops along the way, allowing you to hop on and off at your leisure and spend as much time as you like at each attraction. The tram connects key highlights of the city center: Cathedral Square, the colorful Spanish-style shops of New Regent Street, the food-filled Riverside Market, the lush Botanic Gardens, and the Arts Centre composed of Gothic-style heritage buildings. A stop is also located near the Avon River punting jetty, while the Cardboard Cathedral, built from paper tubes, is within walking distance. Families with children can let the little ones run wild at the Margaret Mahy Playground. Outside the windows, century-old buildings alternate with post-earthquake landmarks, while the driver provides a guide to the history of these streets—from the reconstruction story of the cathedral to the memorial significance of the Bridge of Remembrance—making the ride both engaging and informative. A few details are worth noting during your experience: the outer sightseeing seats are not fully rainproof, so choose inner seats on rainy days; eating, drinking, and phone calls are not allowed onboard; for photography enthusiasts, waiting for the tram to pass the colorful facades of New Regent Street or cross the stone bridge over the Avon River yields particularly striking shots.Christchurch · 10.4 km from Lyttelton
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

7.3
4.8/5
58 reviews
The Avon River is a river that runs through the whole city of Christchurch, and along the Avon River, immerse yourself in a peaceful rafting trip. The boatman supports the punt with a long pole designed for small rivers and shallow waters that will take you across the water. The boatman, usually dressed in traditional Edwardian clothing, will explain the history of Christchurch and the sights you will pass by. On the way of rafting, you can also enjoy the weeping willows on both sides of the river, as well as the wild animals that randomly appear in the botanical garden.Christchurch · 10.7 km from Lyttelton
Christchurch Gondola
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

7.1
4.6/5
86 reviews
The Christchurch Aerial Tramway is erected on Mount Cavendish, about 10 kilometers southeast of the city. The cableway spans 862 meters and is very stable and comfortable. From the foothills where the flocks play, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the top of the mountain, which is about 500 meters above sea level. Approaching the crater, take the cable car to the top of the mountain, only 1 km away from the edge of the crater. Port Hills is an extinct volcano with a collapsed crater that erupted six million years ago and guards the sparkling harbour of Lyttelton. Standing on the observation deck, looking west, the Southern Alps seem to be in sight through the pure air; in the east, the endless sea is connected to the sky.Christchurch · 2.2 km from Lyttelton
Cardboard Cathedral
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Cardboard Cathedral

6.6
4.3/5
36 reviews
Cardboard Cathedral is a transitional church built in Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake. Completed in 2013, it was built to replace the old Gothic cathedral in the city center that was severely damaged in the earthquake. It was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who is famous for his paper tube architecture and has long used paper tube structures for post-disaster reconstruction around the world. The building itself is worth a close look. It has an overall A-frame shape and stands over 20m tall. The two sloping sides are lined with nearly 100 rigid paper tubes, which have been treated to be waterproof and fire-retardant. The gaps between them allow daylight to gently filter into the interior, and the entrance features a large triangular window made of stained glass. The interior can accommodate about 700 people. Wooden pews and soft lighting make the space quiet and peaceful, and it is also frequently used for concerts and community events.Christchurch · 10 km from Lyttelton
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

6.2
4.5/5
265 reviews
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens was built in July 1863, and the natural wetlands and sand dunes of that year have been transformed into beautiful gardens full of flowers. The botanical garden covers an area of 30 hectares and has 10 subsidiary gardens with different styles, with more than 10,000 kinds of local or introduced plant species, most of these subsidiary gardens are located in the Avon River Basin. Rose garden, herb garden and many other gardens of different styles. If you enter the botanical garden from Rolleston Avenue on the side of the Canterbury Museum, you can enjoy the annual flower bed gardening exhibition, and then walk through the grassy arrowing lawn Arrive at the Rose Garden. There are more than 250 kinds of roses in the garden, which are colorful and fragrant, showing the luxurious beauty of roses. The nearby herb garden, filled with various culinary and medicinal plants, is quite worth a visit. Next to the rose garden is the New Zealand Garden, which showcases the charm of various New Zealand native plants. Seven other greenhouses display exotic plants such as cacti, succulents, tropical orchids and carnivorous plants.Christchurch · 11.2 km from Lyttelton
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

5.9
3.9/5
52 reviews
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is located in the city's cultural precinct, not far from the Botanic Gardens, and consists of more than 20 historic Gothic Revival buildings. The dark basalt walls are detailed with intricate patterns of light-colored limestone, while the clock towers, spires, and arcades enclose quiet courtyards, making it a highly recognizable architectural complex in the city. It was formerly Canterbury College, founded in the 19th century. After the college moved to a new campus in the 1970s, this complex was converted into an arts center. The complex was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake, but after years of comprehensive restoration, most areas have reopened. Today, it is home to galleries, artist studios, boutique craft shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.Christchurch · 10.9 km from Lyttelton
International Antarctic Centre
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre

7.7
4.6/5
257 reviews
The International Antarctic Centre is an important gateway to understanding Antarctica, located near Christchurch International Airport. Here, you can learn about various aspects of the Antarctic Circle, including its history and geology, through sound, light, and electrical displays. 1. The architecture of the International Antarctic Centre draws inspiration from unique Antarctic landscapes such as icebergs and glaciers, with interiors designed to reflect the climate and icy conditions of Antarctica. Upon entering, visitors first encounter displays of outdoor conditions at Antarctic bases and real-time photos and data transmitted from Scott Base. 2. The Antarctic storm chamber features real snow and low-temperature fans, allowing you to experience the sub-zero cold of Antarctica firsthand, complete with simulated blizzard winds. Visitors must change into warm clothing and shoes before entering. 3. Penguin feeding show in the penguin introduction area further along is the penguin introduction area, where you can also watch feeding shows. Here, you'll see the world's smallest little blue penguins, which are incredibly adorable. If you're particularly interested in these blue penguins, you can join the penguin encounter tour to explore backstage facilities, learn about penguin quarantine zones, their daily routines, and dietary habits, and even get up close with them.Christchurch · 18.9 km from Lyttelton
TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth

5.5
4.4/5
27 reviews
TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, journeying from the east coast of the South Island to the west coast, with a one-way trip taking approx. 4 hours. Enjoy the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, as well as spectacular gorges and the river valleys of the Waimakariri River, from the comfort of your carriage. The train then climbs the majesticSouthern Alps to reach Arthur's Pass National Park, before descending through lush beech rainforests to arrive at the West Coast town of Greymouth—an ideal base for visitingPancake Rocks Lookoutand the popular glaciers. The carriages feature large panoramic windows, and there is an open-air viewing carriage at the rear of the train with no glass obstruction, making it a great spot for photographing gorges, rivers, and viaducts.Christchurch · 11.4 km from Lyttelton
Avon River / Ōtākaro
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Christchurch

Avon River / Ōtākaro

5.2
4.4/5
221 reviews
The Avon River / Ōtākaro flows through the city center of Christchurch, originating from the spring belt in the west and winding its way eastward. It is this river that connects green spaces, tree-lined paths, and water, forming the foundation of Christchurch's reputation as a Garden City. Weeping willows drape over the banks, lawns stretch all the way to the water's edge, and wild ducks and black swans often glide across the surface. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing time, admire the charming scenery, and soak in the romantic atmosphere. The English-style punting on the river is a classic experience here, perfect for travelers who want to slow down and experience the city. Weeping willows and native silver ferns intertwine along the banks to form an emerald corridor, while Victorian-style wooden arched bridges reflect on the water, creating a living painting.Christchurch · 10.2 km from Lyttelton
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

6.7
4.4/5
95 reviews
Opened in 1974, Willow Bank Wildlife Sanctuary has a long history and has been committed to protecting endangered animals in New Zealand. It is also one of New Zealand's important kiwi breeding bases. There are more than 100 species and more than 500 species of animals and birds in the protected species reserve. Wild animals live in wild areas (such as deer, wallabies, otters, monkeys, lemurs, gibbons, etc.) imported from abroad; domestic animals, farm animals and birds are raised in heritage areas; natural areas are native animals and imported from overseas. animals (such as seedlings, kaka parrots, tuatara, kiwis, etc.).Christchurch · 18.5 km from Lyttelton

Experiences you can't miss in Lyttelton

Featured Day tours in Lyttelton

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Highlights & Punting
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5% off
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FromPHP 13,052.22PHP 13,739.18
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
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4.5/5
· 848 reviews· 49 booked
Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 1,557.15

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What travelers say about Lyttelton

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耳東氵罒幸一止August 24, 2026
5.0
很好玩的一个体验,而且坐着电车绕城市看风景很轻松。我们都很高兴。在Trip平台买票也很方便,到地点就能轻松领取实体票然后上车,车上的领导也很细心的为每一个景点做介绍……👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Christchurch Tram

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Thinh0304October 7, 2026
5.0
My friends and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Punting On The Avon at the Antigua Boat Sheds, and it was an absolutely excellent outing from start to finish. We were looking for a relaxing group activity, and this completely exceeded our expectations. The scenery and natural environment along the river are stunningly beautiful, making it a perfectly tranquil escape that contributed to a fantastic atmosphere.  Our overall enjoyment was top-tier; gliding along the water while taking in the picturesque sights was both peaceful and incredibly fun to share with friends. Everything was incredibly well-organized, and we all felt that the exceptional service provided outstanding value for money. If you are traveling with a group of friends and looking for a highly rated, memorable experience on the water, we cannot recommend this enough!

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

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Flora_GuAugust 12, 2025
5.0
Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, nestled between mountains and the sea, offers panoramic views of the city and coastline from the cable car. We followed the directions a friend had sent us and arrived near the summit. A short climb up brought us to the cable car station. There's an observation deck and a cafe on the second floor. This way, we only had to buy a one-way ticket down the mountain, which was significantly cheaper. A Chinese staff member at the ticket office told us about a "Time Tunnel" car showcasing the history of Canterbury, New Zealand. If you take the No. 8 bus to the base of the mountain, you can take the cable car up and then back down—perhaps a classic way to enjoy the experience.

Christchurch Gondola

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E04***80December 15, 2025
5.0
To see the cardboard church, it's important to understand its origins and story. When I visited, I happened to encounter a Maori students' choir, and the headmaster gave me a brochure about the church's reconstruction after an earthquake.

Cardboard Cathedral

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OJuly 7, 2025
5.0
基督城植物园真是一个让人陶醉的地方!走进园内,仿佛置身于一个绿色的童话世界。玫瑰园里,250多种玫瑰竞相绽放,色彩斑斓,香气扑鼻。漫步在小径上,可以看到雅芳河静静流淌,河面上不时有轻舟划过。园内还有各种主题花园,比如香草园、石楠园,每一片都有独特的风景。这里不仅是植物的天堂,也是放松心情的好去处,让人流连忘返。

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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小凌60September 14, 2020
3.0
The art center is actually not very big, and there are no particularly shocking works. It is filled with some cheerful and modern handicrafts. I feel there is nothing to lose by just looking at them, and it can be regarded as a place to kill time.

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

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M23***52October 15, 2026
5.0
It's suitable for a half-day trip; if you have enough time, it's quite nice to experience the various activities. Our flight was in the afternoon, so we spent the morning sightseeing, had lunch at the cafe, and then checked in at the airport.

International Antarctic Centre

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99mmJanuary 20, 2024
4.0
It turns out that the scenery is not as good as described on the Internet. In fact, the scenery while driving in New Zealand is not worse than this. Anyway, it's OK. It was quite quiet on the way there, but on the way back, a Chinese tour group got on and made a lot of noise, which reduced the experience of this train.

TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth

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Satisfied guestDecember 18, 2023
5.0
Avon River should not to be missed. we will be carried by a punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire! You will be slowly be brought along the water quietly past woodlands, weeping willows with the leafy banks of North Hagley Park along side the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. You can also take a Punt ride from Worcester Street Bridge through Christchurch’s central city.

Avon River / Ōtākaro

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M49***88September 23, 2026
5.0
This is a very unique zoo, quite different from those in China! Chickens, ducks, geese, and other birds roam freely, with the enclosures primarily restricting visitors rather than the animals. The park also features farm animals such as cows, sheep, piglets, and ponies. The highlight is the kiwi bird exhibit. After adjusting to the light in a darkened enclosure, you can observe them. Photography is prohibited. The kiwis will approach the glass and move right at your feet; seeing them up close is truly magical and well worth a visit.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

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Frequently asked questions

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Lyttelton?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Highlights & Punting, Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram, and Round-trip from Christchurch - 1-day tour to Castle Hill, New Zealand + Arthur's pass + alpine scenic train (English-speaking tour). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 26, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Lyttelton is around PHP 1,557.15 – PHP 18,095.24. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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