Day 6 Christchurch (Lyttelton), South Island, NZ

Condensed Version:

 Today we enjoyed the “Discover Christchurch” tour, keen to see how the city has evolved since the devastating 2011 earthquakes. After a brief customs delay, we set off by double-decker bus through the tunnel to Takahe Lookout, where we enjoyed sweeping views over Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the ocean, although Mt Cook was hidden by cloud.

We then strolled through the beautiful Mona Vale Gardens before heading into the city centre to see Christchurch’s main highlights, striking street murals and areas shaped by the earthquakes, learning about the city’s impressive rebuild and returning residents. On the way back we stopped at Sumner Beach to see Cave Rock, then travelled the dramatic Summit Road with spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour. Back on board by 1.30, we enjoyed lunch before retreating to our suite for a well-earned afternoon nap.

Full Version:

Today we are docked at Lyttelton that we are told is a suburb of Christchurch.  I haven't confirmed this yet, but it is a lovely town with a deep water harbour for ships to berth.

Our tour today was "Discover Christchurch".  We were interested to explore Christchurch following the devastating 2011 earthquakes so this was the perfect tour.  There was a slight delay of around an hour this morning before our ship was cleared by customs and passengers were allowed to leave the ship for our tours.  

A double-decker bus was waiting for us pier side and we sat back and enjoyed the scenic drive, through the tunnel, to our first stop at Takahe Lookout.  From here we had stunning views over Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, ocean and distant Southern Alps where the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook, is situated.  Unfortunately we didn't get a good view of the mountain that was shrouded in cloud.

From the lookout it was on to Mona Vale Gardens where we strolled through the lovely gardens where there were lots of photo opportunities.

Next, we headed into the city centre where our tour guide pointed out the city's main highlights.  We visited all the must-see central city sights whilst enjoying some of the street murals and areas affected by the Canterbury earthquakes.  We learned about the exciting rebuild that is now taking place in Christchurch and about the many people who departed the city and who have now returned.

The morning had moved along very quickly and it was now time to return to our ship via the ocean road.  We stopped at Sumner Beach to have a Quick Look at Cave Rock and then back on the bus to drive down the extremely steep and windy Summit Road with truly spectacular views over the harbour and waterways around Lyttelton.

It was around 1.30 when we again boarded our ship and after a hearty meal of tuna salad sandwich followed by an Eton mess, returned to our suite for an afternoon nap.