If you need to know anything about the ports of call on your cruise, where the ship berths, how you find your guide and tour vehicle, what transport options there are, then this page is where you need to look.

If you have any information that you think would be useful for fellow passengers please let us know and we will try and incorporate it.  If you notice any errors or omissions please advise us.

General Information

Although ships are shown as calling at Christchurch, in fact they actually berth at the Port of Lyttelton, which is a short drive from the city centre, through the Port Hills tunnel.  Lyttelton has a limited number of shops and facilities and serves the port.  The largest city on the South Island, Christchurch is a great destination to visit and has a very English feel to it, the River Avon meandering through the city, many parks and gardens, all add to its character and the reason it is known as the "Garden City".

Find your guide/tour

If you have a prearranged tour the tour guide and vehicle should be located close to the ships gangway.  There is an Information Desk close to the gangway which is manned by staff from the  Lyttelton Information Centre staff.  Please do not leave the wharf area unless alternative meeting arrangements have been made, in which case you will need to board the Transport Shuttles provided.

Bus transport

Ship Shuttle Service

Taxis

Taxis in New Zealand are strictly regulated, like all passenger transport, and can usually be found close to the ship in their designated ranks. Taxis can not refuse a fare if asked and can not charge more than the fee shown on the taxi meter which must be switched on once the journey begins. Some taxis also accept payment by credit card, but not all, so its best to check before starting the journey. 

Information office

There is a small Information Centre [ I-Site ] located close to the ship at the port of Lyttleton, as well as the main I-Site which can be found in Catherdral Square in Christchurch City Centre.

Telephone Info

The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 [though 911 also works].  The dialing code for international calls is 00, followed by the country code.  The local area code is 03 which need not be dialed for local calls.  Low cost phone cards can be purchased from the I-Site offices and at many other retail outlets.

Shopping

Walks