What To Expect
We look forward to welcoming you to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
To help you prepare for your day ahead in we have summarised some key things you might need to know to help plan your visit.
- Passengers who have pre-booked independent tours (this is all activities not booked directly with the onboard shorex team) departing Lyttelton can shuttle to Norwich Quay to meet their tours or private transfers.
- Passengers who wish to travel to the Christchurch gondola can take a pre-booked shore excursion directly from the cruise berth to the gondola return.
- Alternatively, passengers can take an affordable shuttle direct from the cruise berth into New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch. It is recommended that passengers travel directly to Christchurch given the greater number of experiences and attractions compared to Lyttelton. Central Christchurch is a vibrant, exciting and modern city with world-class hospitality and retail stores.
- A group of volunteer locals are stationed around the city wearing pink vests (reading City Champion). They are voluntarily in the city to warmly welcome you and offer guidance around local landmarks, things to see and do and general local knowledge.
Where Does The Cruise Ship Port?
When cruise ships arrive into Christchurch, they arrive into the port of Lyttelton.
What Can I Expect In Lyttelton?
Lyttelton is a small harbour community that is not set up for large volumes of visitors. However, it is a great destination to pick up grocery supplies, grab a coffee or a drink and check out small boutique shops. You can also access Lyttelton to meet up with friends or family. There are free shuttles departing the cruise berth which will drop you into Lyttelton to connect with pre-booked independent tours, Ubers and taxis. If you’re looking for more retail and hospitality options and access to the city’s attractions and experiences, we recommend taking the short trip direct to Christchurch.
What Can I Expect In Christchurch?
Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and a modern, exciting hub to explore. Your shuttle will bring you to Cashel Street, which is right in the city centre. For large cruise ships all shuttles will arrive and depart from this location. The Bridge of Remembrance is the landmark you’ll see on arrival and this is one of the locations where City Champions will be stationed to help with directional enquiries, so look out for the pink vests. From here you can explore the vibrant central city on foot or make your way to the city’s attractions. Find ideas on how to fill your day in Christchurch.
How Do I Get To Christchurch?
There will be affordable shuttles running directly from the cruise berth to and from the city. This is the recommended transport for passengers and ensures a cost effective and reliable service to and from the ship.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Christchurch From Lyttelton?
The shuttle from Lyttelton to central Christchurch will take about 15-20 minutes.
How Do I Get On My Privately Booked Tour?
If you have booked a tour departing from Lyttelton you can catch a shuttle from the cruise berth to Norwich Quay in Lyttelton. This is the departure point for independent tours.
Where Can My Friends And Family Meet Me Off The Ship?
Friends and family will be able to pick up and drop off cruise guests from Norwich Quay or alternatively meet you in Christchurch central once you are shuttled to the city.
Can I access public transport from Lyttelton to Christchurch?
While there is public transport from Lyttelton to Christchurch, we ask that cruise passengers respect this is a local system which supports the community to go about their day to day lives.
Where can I find more information on what to see and do in Christchurch?
Located within the Grand Cathedral Square, the Ōtautahi Christchurch isite Visitor Information Centre offers a complete booking service for activities, attractions and transport. The friendly and approachable staff can provide comprehensive and up-to-date information, insider tips and guidance. Find more ideas on what to see and do in Christchurch.
Do you have a hop-on hop-off tour?
The Christchurch Trams offer a unique experience combining history and sightseeing on one of the city’s most iconic and best-loved attractions. Explore Christchurch’s evolving city centre by tramcar; the all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the best of the central city sights at your leisure visiting 18 stops en route. Tickets are available onboard.
What will the weather be like?
Layers are a great idea! Spring and summer are beautiful seasons in Christchurch, but New Zealand is well-known for having four seasons in one day! Spring (Sept-Nov) average daytime temperature is 16-19c and summer (Dec-Feb) average daytime temperature is 20-25c.
Where can I find Wi-Fi?
The Christchurch Free Wi-Fi service extends from the Bridge of Remembrance and along Oxford Terrace to Victoria Square, across to Colombo Street and back down Colombo Street to the Lichfield Street corner. There is also Free Wi-Fi available at Tūranga Central Library located in Cathedral Square.
Where is the hospital?
The public hospital is in the centre of Christchurch city, on the edge of Hagley Park, and serves the wider Canterbury region. It is located at 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central City. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours. Phone: +64 3 364 0640.
Where is the post office?
The Post Office is located within the Cashel Pharmacy, Cashel Mall. NZ Post Centre Cashel Street, 111 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011.
Where is the currency exchange?
Prime Currency Exchange is located in Five Lanes at the BNZ Centre, which can be accessed via Cashel Mall or 682 Colombo Street, Central City. Please note it is closed on Sundays.
