Christchurch Cruises
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The East Coast of the South Island has some of the most interesting coastline in the country and there are a number of Christchurch cruises from which to explore the diverse wildlife, stunning scenery and historical sites from. The charming town of Lyttleton is a short drive from your Christchurch accommodation out to the coast via the tunnel connection or over the Port Hills and is positioned on beautiful Lyttleton harbour. Catch the ferry from Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour for the day. Visit an historic mansion for lunch, take a walk or spend the day on the beach swimming and soaking up the sun. There are two islands of historical importance to explore in the middle of Lyttelton harbour. Quail Island was originally a quarantine station and leprosy colony in the 1800s providing the perfect half day destination with great walks, good swimming and picnic ready beaches. Ripapa Island was the site of a traditional Maori Pa, before it became a fort and finally the home of prisoner Count Felix Von Luckner.
Cruises on Lyttleton Harbour will take you to both islands or you can take a wildlife cruise to encounter blue penguins and other marine wildlife including Hector’s Dolphin, the smallest in the world. A little further south just a 90 minute drive from Christchurch you will find the quaint French inspired village of Akaroa. Cruises on Akaroa Harbour depart regularly for dolphin watching and sea bird spotting including a chance to see the rare White Flippered little blue penguin or Yellow eyed penguin. Other highlights of the cruise include the New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun around the rocky shores of Seal Bay and a visit to a working salmon farm. You can also swim with the Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa harbour.
Small specialised cruises allow you to swim up close with these friendly, inquisitive mammals in their own natural environment. For a Christchurch dining experience of a different kind group bookings are available for lunch or dinner cruises to cater for your next function, wedding or conference out on the harbour. Christchurch is one of the most popular ports on P&O Cruises regular schedule. Explore the South Island or the whole of New Zealand on one of their specially designed cruises for a holiday to remember. Extended cruises of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound can also be taken from Christchurch and there are flights, coach tours and hire cars available to connect to your cruise. The Coastal town of Kaikoura is the place to go for Whale watching in season and provides another Christchurch cruise to add to your list of Christchurch activities.
